High-current variable-voltage rectifiers: state of the art topologies

Applications such as electrolysis, electrowinning, DC arc furnaces and plasma torches require high-current (several kA) power supplies at low-voltage levels (few hundreds of volts). In this study, conventional rectifier topologies (diode- and thyristor-based multi-pulse rectifiers with on-load tap changing transformer and chopper-rectifier) used for high-current, variable-voltage applications are reviewed along with recent advancements in the field. The main applications themselves are also discussed. Issues with conventional topologies are highlighted. Power quality techniques like passive and active filters are discussed for power factor and current harmonics compensation. Advanced medium- to high-frequency transformer-based topologies (with current and voltage source rectifiers) are discussed along with simulation results.