What are the functions of thyristors in circuits?

What are the functions of thyristors in circuits?

With the rapid development of industrial automation, new energy generation, and smart homes, thyristors, as key components of power electronics technology, are reshaping circuit control methods with their "effective, reliable, and controllable" characteristics. This article will delve into the five core roles of thyristors in circuits and explore how their technological evolution can drive industrial upgrading.

The core role of thyristor in circuits

1. Contactless switch: a revolutionary in industrial control

Traditional mechanical switches suffer from defects such as arc wear and short lifespan, while thyristors can achieve millisecond level on-off through gate signals, making them ideal solid-state switches

Application case: A frequency converter manufacturer uses bidirectional thyristor (TRIAC) to control motor start and stop, increasing switch life to over 1 million times and reducing maintenance costs by 60%.

2. Accurate voltage regulation: from extensive power supply to intelligent energy saving

Through phase control technology, thyristors can accurately adjust the output voltage (such as AC voltage regulation circuits):

Technical specifications: In the temperature control system of the electric furnace, the voltage regulation accuracy of the thyristor can reach ± 1 ℃, which is 30% more energy-efficient than traditional resistance heating.

3. Rectification conversion: the "bridge" of AC/DC conversion

High power silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) converts AC power into DC power, supporting fields such as electrolytic plating and rail transit

Industry data: In 2023, SCR rectifier modules accounted for over 70% of China's high-voltage direct current transmission (HVDC) projects.

4. Overload protection: the "guardian" of circuit safety

By utilizing the fast turn off feature, the current can be instantly cut off during a short circuit:

Comparison of actual tests: After adopting thyristor protection, the fault response time of a certain photovoltaic inverter was shortened from 20ms to 5ms.

5. High frequency inverter: the "heart" of new energy generation

The new generation of fast thyristor (GTO/IGCT) is applied to wind power converters, with a conversion efficiency exceeding 98%.

 Technological Breakthrough: From Traditional SCR to Intelligent Modules

1. Integrated design

Intelligent Power Module (IPM): Integrating thyristors with driver circuits, reducing the size by 50% (such as Mitsubishi's 7th generation IPM).

2. Material innovation

Silicon carbide (SiC) thyristor: can withstand temperatures above 200 ℃ and reduce switch losses by 40% (Cree company will mass produce in 2023).

3. Digital control

IoT thyristor: Built in sensors for real-time monitoring of temperature and current, supporting remote diagnosis (Siemens Sinamics series).

Industry application panorama

Technical solutions for typical scenarios in the field

Industrial automation motor soft start anti parallel thyristor group

Smart home dimming lamps with bidirectional thyristor (TriaC)

New energy photovoltaic MPPT controller, light controlled thyristor module

High voltage thyristor valve group for reactive power compensation (SVC) in power system

Future Trends

High frequency: The new type of reverse conducting thyristor (RCT) increases the switching frequency to 50kHz;

Intelligence: AI algorithms predict device aging and achieve preventive maintenance (such as ABB Ability platform);

Greenization: The lead-free packaging process meets the EU RoHS 3.0 standard.