A robust 18-pulse diode rectifier with coupled reactors

The article presents the principle of operation and selected results of simulation and laboratory tests of the 18-pulse rectifier system with coupled reactors and small series active power filter. The presented system makes it possible to reduce, especially in distribution supply networks, undesired higher current harmonics. The 18-pulse nature of operation of the rectifier is reached using a set of coupled three-phase network reactors (CDT and CTR). The simultaneous use of the coupled reactors and the small active power filter provides opportunities for reduction of the supply current distortion, especially in case of voltage harmonic distortion and voltage unbalance.