Output wave shape of controlled rectifiers

Methods of estimating the harmonics in the output voltage wave of controlled voltage mercury arc rectifiers are given in this paper. Two limiting conditions are considered: one where the d-c circuit is sufficiently inductive to give substantially a smooth direct current, and the other where the d-c circuit is noninductive. Formulas for the harmonics when the rectifier is delivering load are presented, and curves are given that make it possible to calculate readily the lower orders of these harmonics which appear in the output voltage of 6- and 12-phase rectifiers.