Some considerations in the application of power rectifiers and convertors

The paper reviews the more important considerations in the selection and application of power rectifiers and convertors. It begins with a discussion on the suitability and selection of semiconductor rectifiers and mercury-arc rectifiers and convertors for various applications, and proceeds to a discussion on the number of phases to employ and how this question is affected by supply and other considerations. The effect of rectifier-fed rolling-mill and winder drives on the supply system is discussed. A summary of the characteristics of the transformer connections in more general use is included, together with some notes on their application. Mention is made of parallel operation, and some examples are given of how phase multiplication is achieved. Then follows a discussion on possible faults and their prevention; protection requirements are outlined and the paper concludes with some notes on installation and ventilation. In the main, only British practice is discussed.