TOPIC 9

POWER SUPPLY AND INVERTERS

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
1. Explain the construction and operating principles of a power supply.
2. Explain the types of power supply and its functions
3. Calculate parameters of a DC power supply.
4. Explain the construction and operating principle of a power inverter.

Introduction

The purpose of a mains power supply is to convert the power delivered to its input by the
sinusoidally alternating mains electricity supply into power available at its output in the form of a
smooth and constant direct voltage. This is usually achieved in a number of stages as illustrated
in the Figure.

9.1 POWER SUPPLY

Do not confuse a power supply with a power source. The source is the origin of incoming
electricity. In most cases, the electricity source is an outlet, battery, or generator.
The power supply works to convert the power from the source into the correct format
and voltage. Because a variety of options exist, the specific power supply function depends on
whether it needs to regulate energy or convert power.

9.2 WHAT DOES A POWER SUPPLY DO?

Power supplies have essential functions found in all models with additional operations
added depending on the device type. Power supplies may need to change voltage up or down,
convert power to direct current, or regulate power for smoother outcoming voltage. These
functions will help you choose which supply you need for your electrical needs.

 POWER SUPPLIES CHANGE VOLTAGE

Changing voltage is the prime use of power supplies. The source of power has a steady output,
regardless of the type of device that must use it. To prevent overload, power supplies step down
the voltage — or, conversely, step it up — to match the requirements of the device.
Too much power coming out of a power supply can severely damage a device, but if the power
supply does not deliver enough voltage, the device will not operate as it should. Energy
changing is the main task of power supplies, and the bulk of their construction comes from the
transformer used to move the voltage up or down as needed.

 POWER SUPPLIES CONVERT POWER

Power conversion changes the incoming electricity to a format that the electrical device can use.
Two types of power supplies exist, DC-DC and AC-DC. DC-DC power supplies allow you to
plug in electrical devices into car outlets or similar sources that supply direct current, or DC,
power. These power supplies are not the most commonly used, though.
While DC-DC power supplies exist, the most common type is the AC-DC type. Electrical outlets
deliver alternating current, or AC, power. Most electrical devices require direct current to
function. A power supply converts the AC power into DC. During this conversion, the output may
waver, occasionally requiring regulation. However, for general use, you may not need regulated
power supplies.

 POWER SUPPLIES REGULATE POWER

Most electronics require regulated power. When a power supply changes the voltage and type
of power, the result is not always a steady output. Though it does not turn on and off completely,
fluctuations in the outcoming voltage still occur without regulation. An unregulated power supply
can deliver more power than expected. Such a surge fed to delicate electronics like computers
and televisions could cause severe damage to the parts or even permanent harm that could
cause damage beyond repair.
The added function of regulating power increases the cost of the device, but it can save you the
price of having to purchase new electronics to replace those ruined by unregulated voltage
overwhelming them. To save money while powering devices with loads that closely match the
power supply’s output, use unregulated power supplies. But electronics require regulated
power. Don’t make the mistake of selecting the wrong supply.

9.3 HOW DOES A POWER SUPPLY WORK?

Basic power supplies will change the voltage and convert to DC power. These standard
operations send unregulated voltage out of the power supply, but if you need regulated power,
the devices have an additional step of regulating the voltage to smooth out waves. To discover
more about how a power supply unit works, read on to learn about the individual parts and their
functions, which will clarify your view of the entire operation of the device.

9.3.1 PARTS OF POWER SUPPLIES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

Basic power supplies consist of several parts. These components help the unit to step up or
down voltage, convert power and reduces ripple voltages, which are residual variations in the
voltage and results in wasted power and overheating.

Transformer: The transformer changes the incoming voltage to the needed outgoing voltage
level. These devices may step up or step down the voltage. Typically, the DC voltage required is
much less than the incoming AC voltage from the primary power source.
Rectifier: To convert the incoming power from AC to DC, the power supply uses a rectifier.
The rectifier circuits use diodes to convert the alternating current (which, as its name implies,
flows in opposite directions alternately every half cycle, into unidirectional current which flows in
one direction only). Rectifier circuits can be made to use only one-half of the cycle or both
halves, called half-wave and full-wave respectively.
Filter: When AC power changes to DC, it still has distinct waves that need smoothing out. The
filter does not completely smooth out the waves to nothing, but it does reduce them
considerably. The output from this part is unregulated power.
Regulator: A voltage regulator reduces the ripple voltages left by the filter, getting rid of any
voltage surges or drops that could damage devices plugged into the power supply.
Power supply components are essential to the particular function of the power supply
unit. As a result, not all power supplies will consist of the same parts.

9.3.2 POWER SUPPLY TRANSFORMERS

The power supply transformer raises or lowers the voltage as needed. Most devices require
stepped down voltage from standard AC outlets, which output 100 to 240 volts, to a much lower
amount. Some transformers, however, will step up the voltage and isolate the incoming and
outgoing circuits.
The incoming power enters the transformer through the primary winding. Outgoing electricity
connects to the secondary winding. These two windings have no physical connection between
them. This isolation of the windings ensures the safety of the transformer. Faraday’s Law allows
for electromagnetic energy to be induced on the secondary winding from the primary winding
without the need for contact between these parts.
Once finished stepping up or down the voltage, the transformer sends the outgoing power to a
rectifier to convert the alternating current into direct current.

9.3.3 CONVERTING AC TO DC
Part of how an AC-to-DC power supply works is the rectifier in the unit that changes the current
type. Power supply creators choose from three types of silicon diode rectifiers to convert AC
power to DC. Each model has its operation and benefits.
Half wave:The lowest-cost rectifier uses a single silicon diode, but it only converts half of the
AC wave. This half-wave conversion results in a greater ripple, which is more difficult to remove
with a regulator. Additionally, half-wave rectifiers do not perform as efficiently as other models
and only work for supplying power to low-importance devices.
Full wave:A full-wave rectifier requires a center tap in the secondary winding. Because these
rectifiers need a specialized transformer, they typically appear in more expensive, though more
efficient, power supplies. These models also produce less ripple after conversion into DC
power, which is easier for a regulator to remove.
Bridge:The most efficient rectifier blends the best of half-wave and full-wave types. The bridge
model uses four diodes to convert a full AC wave without the need for a special center-tapped
transformer.

9.3.4 CAPACITOR FILTER

After conversion, most DC power will still have output ripple. A capacitor directly filters out the
worst of the ripple as the electricity leaves the rectifier.
Capacitors hold electrons until needed. As the current passes through the capacitor, it moves in
waves. The peaks already have enough electrons, but the troughs represent lower amounts of
electricity that correspond to lower levels of electrons. As the current waves drop, the need for
extra electrons increases. The capacitor feeds electrons into the current, making the waves
smoother. Smoother waves provide more even electricity without ebbs and surges.
While capacitors do not create utterly smooth power, they do reduce the highs and lows that
leave a rectifier. If you need a consistent flow of electricity, you must have a regulated power
supply. These devices fill in the remaining troughs left after the current leaves the capacitor.
Power supplies that connect to electronics require regulators to protect the delicate circuitry of
such devices.

9.3.5 REGULATED POWER SUPPLY WORK

After the current leaves the filter, the power supply’s task ends in an unregulated model. While
unregulated power supplies suffice for general use, when you need entirely stable electricity that
does not change when the load does, you need regulated power. Regulated power supplies
come in two forms based on how they regulate energy — linear and switching.

9.4 Power Supply Circuit

The Power supply circuit is used in various electrical & electronic devices. The power
supply circuits are classified into different types based on the power they utilize for
providing for circuits or devices. For instance, the microcontroller-based circuits are
generally the 5V DC regulated power supply (RPS) circuits, which can be designed with
the help of different method for changing the power from 230V AC to 5V DC.

The step by step conversion of 230V AC to 12V DC is discussed below.

 A step-down transformer converts the 230V AC into12v.

 The bridge rectifier is used to change AC to DC
 A capacitor is used to filter the AC ripples and gives to the voltage regulator.
 Finally voltage regulator regulates the voltage to 5V and finally, a blocking diode
is used for taking the pulsating waveform.

Power Supply Block Diagram

Here this circuit diagram is for +12V regulated (fixed voltage) DC power supply.
This power supply circuit diagram is ideal for an average current requirement of 1Amp.
This circuit is based on IC LM7812. It is a 3-terminal (+ve) voltage regulator IC. It has short
circuit protection , thermal overload protection.
A transformer (Tx=Primary 230 Volt, Secondary 12 Volt, 1Amp step down transformer) is
used to covert 230V to 12V from mains. Here used a bridge rectifier made by four 1N4007
or 1N4003 diode to convert AC to DC . The filtering capacitor 1000uF,25V is used to reduce
the ripple and get a smooth DC voltage. This circuit is very easy to build. For good
performance input voltage should be greater than 12Volt in pin-1 of IC LM7812. Use a heat
sink to IC LM7812 for safeguarding it from overheating

9.5 Types of Power Supplies

9.5.1. UNREGULATED POWER SUPPLY
Unregulated power supplies contain a step-down transformer, rectifier, filter capacitor,
and a bleeder resistor. This type of power supply, because of simplicity, is the least
costly and most reliable for low power requirements. The main disadvantage is that
the output voltage is not constant. It will vary with the input voltage and the load
current, and the ripple is not suitable for electronic applications. The ripple can be
reduced by changing the filter capacitor to an LC (inductor-capacitor) filter, but the
cost becomes more.
9.5.2. REGULATED POWER SUPPLY
Regulated linear power supplies are same as the unregulated linear power
supply except that a 3-terminal regulator is used in place of the bleeder resistor.
The main aim of this supply is to provide the required level of DC power to the
load. The DC power supply uses an AC supply as the input. Different
applications require different levels of attributes voltages, but nowadays the DC
power supplies provide an accurate output voltage. And this voltage is regulated
by an electronic circuitry so that it provides a constant output voltage over a
wide range of output loads.
9.5.3. Variable AC Power Supply
The different AC voltages are generated by using a transformer. The
transformer may have multiple windings or taps, in which case the instrument
uses switches to select the different voltage levels. Alternatively, a variable
transformer (adjustable autotransformer) can be used to continuously vary the
voltages. Some variable AC supplies are included meters to monitor the
voltage, current, and/or power.

9.5.4. Programmable Power Supply

This type of power supply permits remote control for its operation via analog
input otherwise digital interfaces like GPIB or RS232. The controlled properties
of this supply include current, voltage, frequency. These type of supplies are
used in a wide range of applications like fabrication of semiconductors, X-ray
generators, monitoring of crystal growth, automated apparatus testing.
Generally, these types of power supplies use an essential microcomputer for
controlling as well as monitoring the operation of a power supply. A power
supply provided with an interface of computer uses standard (or) proprietary
communication protocols, and device control language like SCPI (standard-
commands-for-programmable-instruments)

9.5.5 Computer Power Supply

The power supply unit in a computer is the part of the hardware that is used for
changing the power supplied from the outlet into utilizable power for the several
parts of the computer. It converts the alternating current into direct current

9.5.6 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

UPS is a Backup power source that, in the case of power failure or fluctuations,
allows enough time for an orderly shutdown of the system or for a standby
generator to start up. UPS consists usually of a bank of rechargeable batteries
and power sensing and conditioning circuitry.

9.5.7 DC Power Supply

A DC power supply is one that provides a consistent DC voltage to its load.
Based on its plan, a DC power supply might be controlled from a DC supply or
from an AC supply like the power mains.

9.5.8. SMPS- Switched Mode Power Supply

An SMPS power supply or computer power supply is one type of power supply that
includes a switching regulator for converting electrical-power powerfully. Similar to other
power supplies, this power supply transmits the power from a DC source or AC source to
DC loads, such as a PC (personal computer), while changing the characteristics of current
and voltage. Please refer this link to know more about Know All about Switch Mode Power
Supply
 9.6 Power Inverter
A power inverter, inverter or invertor is a power electronic device or
circuitry that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The resulting
AC frequency obtained depends on the particular device employed. Inverters do the
opposite of "converters" which were originally large electromechanical devices
converting AC to DC.
The input voltage, output voltage and frequency, and overall power handling
depend on the design of the specific device or circuitry. The inverter does not
produce any power; the power is provided by the DC source.
A power inverter can be entirely electronic or may be a combination of
mechanical effects (such as a rotary apparatus) and electronic circuitry. Static
inverters do not use moving parts in the conversion process.
Power inverters are primarily used in electrical power applications where high
currents and voltages are present; circuits that perform the same function for
electronic signals, which usually have very low currents and voltages, are
called oscillators. Circuits that perform the opposite function, converting AC to DC,
are called rectifiers.

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