Reduced rating T-connected autotransformer based thirty-pulse AC-DC converter for vector controlled induction motor drives

The design and performance analysis of a reduced rating autotransformer based thirty-pulse AC-DC converter is carried out for feeding a vector controlled induction motor drive (VCIMD). The configuration of the proposed autotransformer consists of only two single phase transformers, with their windings connected in a T-shape, resulting in simplicity in design, manufacturing and in a reduction in magnetics rating. The design procedure of the autotransformer along with the newly designed interphase transformer is presented. The proposed configuration has flexibility in varying the transformer output voltage ratios as required. The design of the autotransformer can be modified for retrofit applications, where presently a 6-pulse diode bridge rectifier is used. The proposed thirty-pulse AC-DC converter is capable of suppressing less than 29th harmonics in the supply current. The power factor is also improved to near unity in the wide operating range of the drive. A comparison of different power quality indices at AC mains and DC bus is demonstrated in a conventional 6-pulse AC-DC converter and the proposed AC-DC converter feeding a VCIMD. A laboratory prototype of the proposed autotransformer based 30-pulse AC-DC converter was developed with test results validating the proposed design and system