Comparative Study of Pulse Width Modulated and Phase Controlled Rectifiers (original) (raw)

Fixed DC voltage is one of the very basic requirements of the electronics' circuits in modern systems. Thus, single phase diode or thyristor rectifiers are commonly used in many industrial applications where we require a highpower DC supply or an intermediate DC link of AC/AC converters. The benefits include simple structure, high safety and most importantly, low cost. However, it is reasonable to assume that a price is to be paid for these benefits. The major drawback is the power system harmonics that these bridge rectifiers introduce within a system. The economic advantage that these systems enjoy can be nullified overnight if stricter harmonic standards are implemented. With this in mind, there is an increased interest in active filters and schemes like PWM that can counter these. The less prominent (but important from the consumers' point of view) issues include low power factor, voltage distortion, heating of transformer cores etc. A single standard scheme that can work for all applications is an ideal yet impractical solution. Thus, different schemes that have been introduced need to be compared so that it is easier to choose whichever fits best with the task at hand.