half wave rectifier

Kermit2

Joined Feb 5, 2010
4,162
Efficiency is a ratio for power output vs. power input.

You need to know the amount of power the rectifier front end consumes and the amount of power the rectifier puts out. Accurate voltage and current readings are important here.

A common figure for a such would be in the mid 80's percentile. The type of transformer is important, as most of the waste in energy will occur there. The amount of energy lost in the diode section will be pretty constant no matter what brand is chosen and amount to 1 or 2% per diode. Poor design and choice in devices can lead to some very low efficiency rates. While good design and choices can give some impressive efficiency rates. Of course, GOOD is relative, and other schemes for converting DC to AC can be much more efficient than the ol' brute force approach using transformers and diodes.
 

Adjuster

Joined Dec 26, 2010
2,148
One major factor affecting rectifier efficiency is the size of the rectifier forward drop compared to the output voltage. This makes it more difficult to achieve good efficiencies from a basic rectifier supply when a very low output voltage is required.

Generally better efficiencies are obtained at higher output voltages, up to a limit where the required reverse blocking capacity enforces the use of rectifiers having larger forward drops.
 
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