Mean voltage and current, rectifiers

[Keev]

Homework Statement

Devise the mean voltage and current in controlled and uncontrolled single device rectifier circuits with R-L series loads.
Single circuit series circuit given of an AC voltage source, a uncontrolled diode, resistor, inductor.
V = 240 v, F = 50 Hz, R = 10 ohms, L = 50 mH

Homework Equations

Not given

The Attempt at a Solution

I know that Vs = Vmaxsin(wt) , I know that in a series circuit current is the same throughout, but this is AC, do the same rules apply?
I also know that Vav for half wave rectifier = Vpeak/pi. I found this from the fact that Vav for a full wave = 2Vpeak/pi. But is this the same for an R-L load?
I don't know where to start in terms of the mean current.

 

[milesyoung]

Devise the mean voltage and current in controlled and uncontrolled single device rectifier circuits with R-L series loads.

I assume this is the theme of what you're doing and this:

Single circuit series circuit given of an AC voltage source, a uncontrolled diode, resistor, inductor.
V = 240 v, F = 50 Hz, R = 10 ohms, L = 50 mH

is the specific assignment? I can guess the configuration, but you should include a schematic that shows the voltages and currents you're interested in.

... I know that in a series circuit current is the same throughout, but this is AC, do the same rules apply?

The instantaneous current is the same for series-connected elements.

I also know that Vav for half wave rectifier = Vpeak/pi.

If V_av is the average voltage applied to the load, then that's only true if the load is purely resistive.

I don't know where to start in terms of the mean current.

You can start from scratch and set up the governing differential equation for the instantaneous current when the diode is conducting, solve it analytically, and find its mean over the conduction period.

You can use the fact that the average voltage across the inductor, in steady state, must be zero to give you the average load voltage.

Usually, though, you just do this once and substitute in specific component values. Wasn't that part of your course?

 

[Keev]

You can start from scratch and set up the governing differential equation for the instantaneous current when the diode is conducting, solve it analytically, and find its mean over the conduction period.

You can use the fact that the average voltage across the inductor, in steady state, must be zero to give you the average load voltage.

Usually, though, you just do this once and substitute in specific component values. Wasn't that part of your course?

It is part of my course but extremely poorly taught, along with a useless reading list. And that is why I have no idea how to do it. I was wondering if you know of any links or books helping to explain rectifiers? I've read through electrical machines, drives and power systems by Theodore Wildi and John Bird's electrical circuit theory and technology but neither has helped with my knowledge in regards to rectifier circuits.

And it's not really an assignment or homework for that matter, but I was told to post it in this part of the forums. The question is more for my personal revision rather than homework.

 

[milesyoung]

I was wondering if you know of any links or books helping to explain rectifiers?

With regards to your problem statement, have you tried doing a search on Google for something like 'half-wave rectifier RL load'? I see plenty of useful information.

Take, for instance, this book excerpt.