Three phase AC to DC power converter

Abstract

A three phase AC to DC converter has an AC driven regulated current source, and it is provided with an unregulated current controller inverter. The zero crossing of the AC voltage input is monitored by a feedback control signal to a switching controller which is coupled to the current control switches of the regulated current source. In addition, the inverter is unregulated and current fed or controlled, and it is coupled to a high frequency current sensor in the preferred form of a current transformer, for sensing current flowing into the converter and which forms part of a control circuit for controlling the switching of the three phase AC regulated current source inputs for drawing currents. The unregulated current controlled inverter has an H bridge with series connected switches and a first diode (D1) and a second diode (D2) and a fifth switch (S12) in order not to dissipate energy. The first diode is series connected to the fifth switch and in series with the second diode, and the series combination is connected in parallel with the inverter legs. In addition, a recirculation inductor and the second diode are connected in parallel with the legs of the inverter, and the second diode is poled to permit circulating current in the recirculation inductor. A capacitor (C1), and the first diode are series connected, and the series combination connected in parallel with the first and second legs of the inverter. The diode (D1) is poled to provide current to the capacitor at the beginning of each inverter switching cycle. The fifth switch connected between the junction of the capacitor and the first diode and the junction between the second diode and second inductor permits discharging the capacitor without power dissipation during inverter operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.