A unity-power-factor three-phase PWM SCR rectifier for high-power applications in the metal industry

A new thyristor current-source rectifier that achieves unity power factor, low-current total harmonic distortion (THD), and DC-bus current and voltage control is presented. The rectifier is suitable for high-power applications such as induction heating and DC arc furnaces. It combines a traditional six-pulse thyristor bridge and a DC chopper that together solve power quality problems such as poor power factor and flicker generation. This topology achieves low input current THD and DC power control without additional power-factor-correction equipment, harmonic trap filters, use of multiple pulse rectifiers or high-K-factor transformers.