Constant-power rectifiers for constant-power telecom loads

Constant-power loads that dominate in the present telecom plants feature a constant-power characteristic. Because of this they draw more current at a lower supply voltage than in normal operating conditions. If not over-sized, a power supply plant with constant-current rectifiers can latch after an interruption of the input AC power, and then the battery remains discharged. This paper shows that the use of rectifiers with constant-power output characteristic is an economical way for avoiding costly over-sizing or risk of a potential system breakdown and subsequent loss of revenue. In addition, the paper explains why power plant dimensioning using power instead of current is simpler and less prone to errors. This is principle becomes even more important when loads grow on an existing power system.