High Power Rectifiers - AC Conversion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of modifying a high power DC rectifier to function as an AC power supply. Participants explore the implications of removing diodes and the potential for using inverters or converters to achieve AC output from a DC source, with a focus on specific configurations and safety considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the clarity of the original inquiry regarding the term "high power DC rectifier" and seek clarification on the specific device in question.
  • There is a suggestion that simply removing rectifiers does not inherently convert DC to AC, and the goal of the modification is questioned.
  • One participant mentions that removing diodes and capacitors could yield three separate 50Vrms outputs, but expresses uncertainty about paralleling these outputs due to phase differences.
  • Another participant outlines their output requirements as 50 vac with 400 amps and discusses their experience with AC mains and high voltage systems.
  • Concerns are raised about safety considerations when working with high voltage and AC mains.
  • One participant proposes the idea of eliminating one leg of the primary by pulling a fuse to use the remaining phases for output.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of understanding and agreement regarding the feasibility of the proposed modifications. There is no consensus on the best approach to achieve the desired AC output, and multiple competing views remain regarding the technical aspects and safety implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the task and the potential safety hazards involved in working with high voltage systems. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions and conditions that may affect the proposed modifications.

mbowen03
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TL;DR
use rectifier as power supply
Hello all, I was wondering if it would be possible to remove the diodes from a high power dc rectifier and use it as an AC power supply? Is it possible to use an inverter/converter to convert dc output to ac? thanks
 
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Welcome to PhysicsForums :smile:

What's a "high power dc rectifier"? Do you have some device in mind?
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to PhysicsForums :smile:

What's a "high power dc rectifier"? Do you have some device in mind?
16215272540553989606162348659222.jpg
 
To me the question is very vague. Yes high power rectifiers can be removed from machines. After that the OP's question gets a bit difficult to understand. What's the goal? To put DC on the input and get AC on the output? Simply removing rectifiers will not accomplish this.
 
@mbowen03 -- I cleaned up your photo a bit to make it more readable. It looks to be a 3-phase rectifier. Are you asking about 3-phase AC power in general, or just using a 3-phase transformer to illustrate your question?

16215272540553989606162348659222.jpg
 
Last edited:
This is my idea of "high Power" rectifiers.
ame-380-0500gt_ml.jpg

image compliments of this site.
 
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Averagesupernova said:
To me the question is very vague. Yes high power rectifiers can be removed from machines. After that the OP's question gets a bit difficult to understand. What's the goal? To put DC on the input and get AC on the output? Simply removing rectifiers will not accomplish this.
The goal is to leave the AC input but change the output to AC
 
berkeman said:
@mbowen03 -- I cleaned up your photo a bit to make it more readable. It looks to be a 3-phase rectifier. Are you asking about 3-phase AC power in general, or just using a 3-phase transformer to illustrate your question?

View attachment 283321
I was wondering how difficult it would be to change the output to AC
 
berkeman said:
@mbowen03 -- I cleaned up your photo a bit to make it more readable. It looks to be a 3-phase rectifier. Are you asking about 3-phase AC power in general, or just using a 3-phase transformer to illustrate your question?

View attachment 283321
Currently it has 480 vac 3 phase on primary side and 50 volts DC on secondary. I want to change the output to 50 vac if possible.
 
  • #10
mbowen03 said:
Currently it has 480 vac 3 phase on primary side and 50 volts DC on secondary. I want to change the output to 50 vac if possible.
This is the print from the rectifier I'm working on
 
  • #11
mbowen03 said:
Currently it has 480 vac 3 phase on primary side and 50 volts DC on secondary. I want to change the output to 50 vac if possible.
Then yes, removing the diodes and any output capacitors will give you 3 separate 50Vrms outputs. I'm not sure it's a good idea to try to parallel the 3 output windings, though.** What are your output power requirements?

Also, how much have you worked with AC Mains and high voltage? There are a number of safety considerations in this project...

** EDIT/ADD -- the 3 AC output windings cannot be parallel combined. They are out of phase.
 
Last edited:
  • #12
berkeman said:
Then yes, removing the diodes and any output capacitors will give you 3 separate 50Vrms outputs. I'm not sure it's a good idea to try to parallel the 3 output windings, though. What are your output power requirements?

Also, how much have you worked with AC Mains and high voltage? There are a number of safety considerations in this project...
Output requirements are 50 vdc at 10,000 amps. I have extensive experience with AC mains and high voltage systems.
 
  • #13
mbowen03 said:
Output requirements are 50 vdc at 10,000 amps. I have extensive experience with AC mains and high voltage systems.
Whoops, sorry. Output reguirements are 50 vac with 400 amps.
 
  • #14
mbowen03 said:
Output reguirements are 50 vac with 400 amps.
Can your application use 3 separate 50Vrms outputs with different phases?
 
  • #15
I don't think so. But can I eliminate one leg of primary by pulling fuse and then use the remaining phases on the output side.
 

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