Three-phase rectifier with reconfigurable modules for wide output voltage range

A three phase rectifier, comprising:

• three phases A, B, and C;
• n phase A converter modules in phase A, n phase B converter modules in phase B, and n phase C converter modules in phase C of the three phase rectifier;
• each of the n phase A converter modules having an AC input that receives an AC voltage and a DC output that outputs a DC voltage;
• each of the n phase B converter modules having an AC input that receives an AC voltage and a DC output that outputs a DC voltage;
• each of the n phase C converter modules having an AC input that receives an AC voltage and a DC output that outputs a DC voltage;
• wherein the AC inputs of the n phase A converter modules are connected together in parallel, the AC inputs of the n phase B converter modules are connected together in parallel, and the AC inputs of the n phase C converter modules are connected together in parallel;
• wherein the DC output of a first converter module of the n phase A converter modules, the DC output of a first converter module of the n phase B converter modules, and the DC output of a first converter module of the n phase C converter modules are connected together in parallel as a first sub-combination DC output;
• wherein the DC output of a nth converter module of the n phase A converter modules, the DC output of a nth converter module of the n phase B converter modules, and the DC output of a nth converter module of the n phase C converter modules are connected together in parallel as a nth sub-combination DC output;
• a mode switcher having inputs connected to respective first to nth sub-combination DC outputs and having an output that outputs a total output DC voltage;
• wherein the mode switcher connects the first to nth sub-combination DC outputs together in selected modes to produce a range of total output DC voltage;
• wherein the range of total output DC voltage is substantially free of double line frequency ripple;
• wherein the n phase A converter modules, n phase B converter modules, and n phase C converter modules are implemented without electrolytic output capacitors.