Down-to-Earth Theory: Rectification

July 25, 2017

A simple rectifier conducts only on the positive half cycle of the AC sinewave

Last month the Digital Innovations Center’s newsletter started the Down-to-Earth Theory column to refresh everyone’s understanding of power electronics. I’m going to go back to the basics for readers who are new to power electronics or those wishing a review of the subject. For the experienced reader, please bear with me. I’m planning to increase the complexity of the subject as this column develops.

Let’s continue with the discussion on HVDC electronic basics that we started last month. The last video from Transpower New Zealand explained how a valve operates using a simple diode. The next video goes into more detail of valve operation with an explanation of the rectification process. A simple rectifier conducts only on the positive half cycle of the AC sinewave, which produces the DC waveform.

Www Tdworld Com Sites Tdworld com Files Rectifier Schematic

This may seem pretty simple, but when we start looking at the 6-pulse and 12-pulse bridge, you’ll understand why it was a good idea for the discussion to start out simple. As promised, each month we will add more explanations to discussion and build on this material.

About the Author

Gene Wolf

Gene Wolf has been designing and building substations and other high technology facilities for over 32 years. He received his BSEE from Wichita State University. He received his MSEE from New Mexico State University. He is a registered professional engineer in the states of California and New Mexico. He started his career as a substation engineer for Kansas Gas and Electric, retired as the Principal Engineer of Stations for Public Service Company of New Mexico recently, and founded Lone Wolf Engineering, LLC an engineering consulting company.

Gene is widely recognized as a technical leader in the electric power industry. Gene is a fellow of the IEEE. He is the former Chairman of the IEEE PES T&D Committee. He has held the position of the Chairman of the HVDC & FACTS Subcommittee and membership in many T&D working groups. Gene is also active in renewable energy. He sponsored the formation of the “Integration of Renewable Energy into the Transmission & Distribution Grids” subcommittee and the “Intelligent Grid Transmission and Distribution” subcommittee within the Transmission and Distribution committee.