A novel approach to industrial rectifier systems: dense, efficient and modular architecture enabled by fixed-ratio bus converters

Abstract:
AC-DC converters for industrial applications have been relying on double stage architecture for quite a long time. A non-isolated, single- or three-phase, single- or multi-level stage typically feeds an isolated DC-DC stage, with capacitors between the two stages providing the necessary energy storage. On the other end, renewed interest in DC power systems drive new developments in the field of fixed ratio bus converters, with very high performance to cost ratios. This paper proposes a new AC-DC system architecture based on fixed ratio bus converters. System functions are described and analyzed for the classic as well as the proposed approach; benefits, trade-offs and design methodology for the novel architecture are also discussed.