Comparison of Thyristor and Transistor Topologies of Converters for Electrolysis on the Example of a Cadmium Electrolysis System

This article presents a qualitative result of comparing two topologies of electrical energy converters used for electrolysis of cadmium and located in the cadmium shop at the Chelyabinsk Zinc Plant. The introduction speaks about the relevance of this comparison and its scientific novelty. The second chapter provides the basic theoretical formulas of the electrolysis process to understand the influence of the electrical parameters of the converter. In the third chapter, the topology of a classical thyristor converter of electrical energy for electrolysis of cadmium is presented, with an indication of the advantages and disadvantages, the main disadvantage of which is large switching pulses, which lead to high ripple of the output constant voltage and current. Also in the third chapter, the topology of a transistor (IGBT) converter of electrical energy for electrolysis of cadmium is presented, indicating the advantages and disadvantages, the main advantages are low ripple of the output constant voltage and current, and a higher efficiency. In the fourth chapter, numerical full-scale comparisons of output indicators, direct current and voltage of converters are given, as well as a numerical comparison of energy consumption. In conclusion, it is said about the prospects of using transistor IGBT topology of electrical energy converters instead of thyristor ones.