Reusing and rerating older rectifiers with new DC/DC choppers

The development of high-power DC/DC converters (more commonly known as chopper rectifiers) allows customers the option to keep older rectifier transformers and refurbished systems if reconfiguring or installing new cell line loads. Normally, new cell line impedances would require the replacement of transformer/rectifier equipment. This paper describes how one can change the output operating range of existing equipment as well as increasing its output power rating with the use of chopper output sections. It also discusses means of increasing output power without increasing existing transformer losses.