How to calculate RMS voltage from triac phase angle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on calculating the RMS voltage, peak voltage, and power in a system using a triac to switch mains voltage, specifically for a given phase (conduction) angle, such as 50°. Participants explore various methods and formulas for these calculations, emphasizing the need for a technical approach rather than graphical representations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a formula for calculating peak and RMS voltage based on a conduction angle, indicating a preference for a mathematical solution over graphical methods.
  • Another participant suggests that drawing output waveforms for different firing angles could reveal the necessary relationships and formulas.
  • A proposed formula for RMS voltage across the load is presented: V_{load} = Vpeak * √((2π - 2φ + sin(2φ))/(4π)), where φ is the triggering angle.
  • A participant provides a specific example using a peak voltage of 325V and a conduction angle of 50°, calculating the RMS voltage to be approximately 80.9Vrms using the proposed formula.
  • Another participant mentions that RMS voltage can be calculated by integrating the sin²θ function over the active time of the switch, noting that this assumes a resistive load.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the usefulness of graphical methods versus mathematical formulas for solving the problem. While some suggest that graphs can help derive relationships, others insist on the need for direct formulas. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate that the calculations depend on the specific assumptions made, such as the type of load (e.g., resistive) and the definitions of angles used in the formulas. There is also mention of the need for integration in certain calculations, which may not be fully resolved in the discussion.

DC12
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Hi,
In a system that uses a triac to switch mains voltage, how can one calculate the resultant peak voltage, RMS voltage and power for a given phase (conduction) angle e.g. 50°?

Many thanks
 
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in the usual way. Draw the output wave form graphs. That will directly give you peak.
RMS volatge = Sqrt of avg of square of instantaneous voltage. This you calculate by integration. And for finding the power, you need wave-form of current as well.
The you find power = Avg of ( V(instantaneous) * I(instantaneous) ) over a cycle.
In short, you need to do some work. :)
And, welcome of PF.
 
Thanks for your reply 'I_am_learning'

Drawing graphs is one way but I need a more technical solution. I need the formula!

Just a mathematical way to calculate the peak voltage based on a phase angle would be sufficient.
Here's hoping...
 
DC12, I believe if you draw some graphs of output voltage wave-forms for few values of firing angle (like, 30, 90, 150, 300 etc), then the formula you are trying to find will be apparent.
Sorry, but we can't do your homework here.
 
Thanks again I_am_learning. Graphs don't help at all. This needs to be done many times for many different levels and numerous angles - I just don't have enough ink and paper. No homework being done here sir.
 
DC12 said:
Thanks again I_am_learning. Graphs don't help at all. This needs to be done many times for many different levels and numerous angles - I just don't have enough ink and paper. No homework being done here sir.

I think he's saying just work out one or a few cases, and find the relationships. Then you can apply what you see to a general case. I would tell you, but I don't know an equation for this off the top of my head.
 
I think that equation for RMS voltage across the load look like this:

V_{load} = Vpeak *\sqrt{\frac{2 \pi - 2 \varphi + sin2 \varphi}{4\pi}}

Where \varphi - triac- angle- delay = triggering -angle .

for-0\varphi - triac- is- full- on .And for- \frac{\pi}{2} V_{load} = Vpeak/2 .

Or use this graph
triacs-char.gif


http://educypedia.karadimov.info/library/an1003.pdf
 
Last edited:
I thought that I shows some example.
For V = 230V we have 325V peak and conduction angle 50° so the triggering angle must be equal to 130°.

attachment.php?attachmentid=43341&stc=1&d=1328032871.png


First we must convert 130° degrees to radians:

r = 130 * ∏/180 = 130 * 0.0174 = 2.26 [rad]
I use Wolframalpha
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=sqr(+(2pi+-+2*2.26+++sin(2*2.26))/(4pi)+)

but you could use Google too

Code:
sqr( (2pi - 2*2.26 + sin(2*2.26))/(4pi) )

Vload = 325V * √ ( (2*pi - 2*r + sin(2r) ) / (4pi) ) = 325V * 0.249 = 80.9Vrms
 

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Last edited:
You can calculate RMS by integrating the sin2θ function over the active time of the switch. Thats where the √2 comes from over the whole cycle.
The peak value is just the value of the sin(θ) at the turn on time.
This assumes a resistive load, of course.
 
  • #10
Perfect. Thanks Jony130 and others!
 

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