SCR (Silicone Controlled Rectifier) Power Controllers

SCR are switching devices for electrical power consisting of Thyristor's and a control circuit. Since there are no moving parts, this device can switch electrical loads within milliseconds and for millions of times. The increased speed allows for choosing between zero cross switching (also called zero-cross firing, burst firing or fast cycling) or phase angle switching. see also FAQ.
Basically, an SCR power controller consists of the following:

• semiconductor power devices (SCR's and Diodes)
• a control circuit normally referred to as the firing circuit
• a means to dissipate the heat generated from the semiconductor devices
• protective circuits (fuses and transient suppressors).

Heater life will be greatly increased by minimizing heater temperature fluctuations because the less contraction and expansion of the heating elements. Electromechanical relays normally switch power every 10-20 sec which reduces heater life. Shorter power switching cycles would reduce the relays life span.

One SCR emits about 1.5 watts of energy per ampere conducted in the form of heat. Smaller controllers rely typically on an aluminum heat sink and ventilation; bigger loads may even require an AC cooled electrical cabinet.

General Application

They are recommended to increase heater life (20 times and more!), highly recommended for low mass heaters (example: air heaters) and "a must" when fast reaction times are mandatory like in all infrared heating applications. (example: quartz lamps work most efficient with a phase angle fired SCR with soft start capability)

• 1 phase, phase angle (10 - 2000 Amps)
• 1 phase, zero cross (10 - 750 Amps)
• 3 phase, phase angle (50 - 1000 Amps)
• 3 phase, zero cross, 2 leg control (10 - 750 Amps)
• 3 phase, zero cross, 3 leg control (10 - 750 Amps)
• Multi-zone SCR controller up to 10 zones
• custom: http://www.ccipower.com/products/custom.php

The zero-cross (somtimes also called fast cycling or burst firing) is derived from the fact that the SCR's are turned on only when the instantaneous value of the sinusoidal wave is zero. The zero- cross SCR allows power switching in less than 1 sec (every half cycle). This zero-cross SCR will improve heater life significantly for a relative small investment. They are widely used for high temperature and high Watt density heaters, hot air applications (if Nichrome wires are used like in a convection oven or for comfort heating), but not for infrared heating applications. To have an even smoother control, choose a phase angle SCR. Contact us for any question.

In phase-angle control, each SCR of the back-to-back pair (in AC) is turned on for a variable portion of the half-cycle that it conducts. Power is regulated by advancing or delaying the point at which the SCR is turned on within each half cycle. This phase-angle control switches power in milliseconds within the phase and therefore eliminating temperature excursions. Radiant heaters like quartz tubes and T3 lamp or solar energy are typical applications fields. You can buy SCR with features such as soft start, shortened SCR detection, Synch-Guard, Trans-Guard. Contact us for any question.

Silicone controlled rectifier (sometimes also called thyristor) allows current to flow in only one direction, two SCR's are connected in a "back to back" configuration to control AC current.

What you Should Know about SCR Power Controllers

(see also FAQ SCR power controllers)

Since the development of silicone controlled rectifier power controls in the late 1950's, the power handling capabilities of SCR's (silicon controlled rectifiers) have advanced from a few hundred watts to many megawatts.

As a result, the use of SCR power controllers in industrial applications has increased dramatically and they are now used in almost every major industry.

SCR power controllers provide a relatively economical means of power control. SCR power controllers cost less and are more efficient than saturable core reactors and variable transformers. Compared to contactors, SCR power controllers offer a much finer degree of control and do not suffer from the maintenance problems of mechanical devices.

Features and benefits of SCR power controllers over other forms of power control include:

High reliability:
Because the SCR power controller is a solid-state device, there are no inherent wear-out modes. Thus, they provide virtually limitless and trouble free operation.

Infinite resolution:
Power, current or voltage can be controlled from zero to 100% with infinite resolution. This capability allows extremely accurate, step less control of the process.

Extremely fast response:
The SCR controller can switch load power on and off extremely fast providing the means to respond rapidly to command changes, load changes and power supply changes. This feature allows the control of fast responding loads and eliminates the negative effects of variations in load or supply voltages that can occur with other types of control. This really helps increase heater life.

Selectable power control parameters:
The SCR power controller can control the average load voltage, the RMS value of the load voltage, the RMS or the average load current or load power. It can also provide useful features such as current and voltage limiting. The ability to control the desired parameter as a function of a command signal and to incorporate limiting features is not normally available with other types of control.

Minimum Maintenance:
Because they are solid state there are no moving parts to wear out or replace. Therefore, the routine replacement required in some forms of power control is eliminated.