Passive Rectifiers

This chapter is on the design of three‐phase passive rectifiers. There are many different types of three‐phase diode rectifiers. In some cases, thyristors are used in place of diodes in passive rectifiers. Even though there are different topologies and applications for three‐phase passive rectifiers, the chapter utilizes the popular bridge rectifier topology employed in the three‐phase AC‐fed general‐purpose industrial motor drive as example to facilitate the discussion and to formulate the design problem. The passive rectifier design constraints include performance constraints related to performance specifications and physical constraints related to component physical capabilities. The chapter presents models for the following constraints as functions of design conditions and design variables: AC input harmonic current TDD; ride‐through or holdup time without input power; DC‐link stability; device‐related constraints; inductor‐related constraints; and capacitor‐related constraints. It focuses on the passive components optimization for the lowest cost or size.