PWM regenerative rectifiers: state of the art

TLDR

New regulations require tighter limits on current harmonics from power converters, while many applications need power regeneration, which regenerative rectifiers provide by returning energy from the DC side to the AC supply. The paper surveys regenerative rectifiers that achieve lower input harmonics and better power factor. The review examines single- and three-phase PWM rectifier topologies and control strategies, focusing on voltage- and current-source designs across kilowatt to megawatt scales. PWM regenerative rectifiers are mature and widely adopted industrially.

Abstract

New regulations impose more stringent limits on current harmonics injected by power converters that are achieved with pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) rectifiers. In addition, several applications demand the capability of power regeneration to the power supply. This work presents the state of the art in the field of regenerative rectifiers with reduced input harmonics and improved power factor. Regenerative rectifiers are able to deliver energy back from the dc side to the ac power supply. Topologies for single- and three-phase power supplies are considered with their corresponding control strategies. Special attention is given to the application of voltage- and current-source PWM rectifiers in different processes with a power range from a few kilowatts up to several megawatts. This paper shows that PWM regenerative rectifiers are a highly developed and mature technology with a wide industrial acceptance.