'US007049921B2 «2 United States Patent (10) Patent No: US 7,049,921 B2 Owen 48) Date of Paten May 23, 2006 (54) AUTO-TRANSFORMER FOR USE WITH 60) References Cited MULTIPLE PULSE RECTIFIERS AEE DoCOni Ta] (76) Inventor: Donald W, Owen, 410 Onset Bay Dr, 4013982 4 * S977 Boshayaga eal Rowlett, TX (08) 75089 5079499 4 $+ V1992 Owen SIM0K A * 71992 Omen (4) Notice: Suibject to any disclaimer, the term of this 6.198.647 BL 32001, Zhou eal patent is extended ot adjusted under 35 6961996 BI* 32005 Kamath 336/148 USC. 154(b) by 77 days * cited by examiner (21) Appl No. 10916139 Primary Examiners Mai (14) Attorney, Agen, or Firm —Bustce P. Isidore Dillon & (22) Filed: Aug. 11, 2004 ‘Yudell LLP) ws) Prior Publication Data on ABSTRACT US 2005/0035838 AL Feb, 17, 2005 Zig-rag. connected, phase shifting, suto-tansformers that provides the inherent ability to block the flow of zero Related U.S. Application Data Sequence currents that are associated with multiple-pulse reciller. The trunsfomner coils are wound in three separate ‘multi-wound windings on three single-phase cores, A vector oriented winding scheme is provided with three output ‘windings and three infemal zig-zag configured pars. of ‘windings. The three intemal zig-mag windings are canncted (60) Provisional application No. 60/494,475, filed on Ang. 12, 2008, (1) Inet Hoe 30/12 (200601) at comesponding ends ofa it winding to form an electrical ozs 300 (2006.01) fetta. The second windings of the three intemal Pg-zag windings respectively tp one of the output windings. The (2) US.C1. ‘38615; 307/13; 307/17; extemal power sonree connects to point along each of the ‘363/126 second windings ofthe pair of intemal windings. (58) None 20 Claims, 8 Drawing 480 VOLTS. THREE PHASE 208, 8 +188 ae PHASE SHIFT 600 VOLTS THREE PHASE e+ 480 VOLTS. THREE PHASEUS 7,049,921 B2 Sheet 1 of 8 May 23, 2006 U.S. Patent UI anh ASWHd SSYHL SLIOA 6967 Oe ¢ SSVHd SSYHL ate SLIOA 08% N A4IHS 3SVHd au y OF oSb “i+ v Sub ow wa th ZL WT oz! \ 3SVHd S3YHL SLTOA 6°96 ootUS 7,049,921 B2 Sheet 2 of 8 May 23, 2006 U.S. Patent Or anh AAIHS aSvHd Lt SeeUS 7,049,921 B2 Sheet 3 of 8 U.S. Patent May 23, 2006 aut 1! SSVHd SSYHL SLTOA 009 ASWHd SSYHL SLIOA 009 z anh SWHd SSYHL SLIOA 08b ALsIHS 3ASWHd Gh -/+US 7,049,921 B2 Sheet 4 of 8 May 23, 2006 U.S. Patent ¢ ankry ASVHd S3YHL SLIOA 087 > < or 7 we oe = LaIHs 3SVHad Sh “i+ ue os ua ur 3SVHd JSYHL SLIOA 087 ASVHd S3SyHL SLIOA 009US 7,049,921 B2 Sheet 5 of 8 May 23, 2006 U.S. Patent siy OW “SLION ‘SSVHd SSUHL p anh, 3SVHd J3YHL SLIOA 6'964 ztos = ory OF zee & aSvHd 3ayHL SLIOA Z's 33uHL mewr v ISLIOA 08% SLTOAZ 105 ow T ou tw SLIOAZ'LOS |aSvHd 34H ASVHd SSYHL SLIOA 6°96 hudUS 7,049,921 B2 Sheet 6 of 8 May 23, 2006 U.S. Patent os, s unhy SVHd SSYHL SLIOA 66S ‘SSVHa SSUHL 'SLTOA 009 ois 0s q SWHd S3UHL ‘SLIOA 009 SLTOA 009 SVHd S3YHL ‘ASWHd SIUHL SLIOA 6 r6SUS 7,049,921 B2 Sheet 7 of 8 May 23, 2006 U.S. Patent 9 aunkry 3BSVHd 3AYHL SLIOA6'SLy SSVHd SSuHL 019“ SLTOA 08 org & c ove 3SWHd 33H. SLIOA 08h |SWHd 33NHL ‘SLIOA 08h JASvHd JAH SLIOA 08% | oo “SVHd 3INHL SLIOA 6 SLYUS 7,049,921 B2 Sheet 8 of 8 May 23, 2006 U.S. Patent 2 uns SVHd JYHL SLION6SLY Sten 'SLIOA 087 SVHd J3uHL 'SLIOA 08 ‘BSVHd SIUHL SLION OSLPUS 7,049,921 B2 1 AUTO-TRANSFORMER FOR USE WITH ‘MULTIPLE PULSE RECTIFIERS PRIORITY CLAIM “The present invention claims the henefit of the filing date ‘of US. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 601498,475, filed om Aug. 12, 2003 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field This invention relates generally to transformers and in particular auto-transformers for phase shifting Still more particularly, the present invention relates to atto-tranformer Jor use with moltiple pulse retifies. 2. Description of the Related Art ‘The operation, design, and functionality of basie auto teonsfommers are generally kaowa inthe art For example, it js well known i the art that ano transformers caa tensor ‘lecric enersy using less mass of conductor and core than, ‘equivalent isolation wansformers ‘One major limitation with auto-trunformers is tbat they ‘ypieally do not block the flow of unwanted, zero sequence ‘currents, particularly when the auto-transformers ar uilized ‘with muitipe pulse rectifier applications. With conventional sulo-translonirs, blocking these unwanted zero sequence ‘currents requires the utilization of additional companents, such as interphase transformers or ero sequence Blocking transformers. These additional componeats necessarily add to the ovenll cost of the sysiem. The above limitation of auio-transfomers is clearly described in Power Electronic Converter Harmonies authored by Derek Paice (IEEE. 1999), Clearly the industry would receive a significant benefit if an aufo-ransformer was designed that was not burdened with the above limitations and that didnot require wtilizatiy ‘of additional components for blocking these zero sequence ‘currents SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Disclosed is plurality of designs of zig-zag connected, phase shifling,aufo-ransformers that provides the inherent ability to block the flow of zero sequence currents that are associated with multple-pulse rectiliers. The transformer ‘coils are Wound in thr separate, mult-wound windings on three single-phase cores. A vector oriented winding scheme js provided with three output windiags and three intertal rig configured pairs of windings. “The three intermal vig-mg windings are connected at ‘corresponding ends of a first winding to form an electrical neutral. Inone embodiment, the opposing end of each ofthe second windings ofthe intemal zig-zag windings is respec- tively connected to the tap of one ofthe output windings. In some of the embodiments, the exteaal power source is also ‘connected 10 the tap of the output windings, 50 that 2 respective end ofthe second winding of the internal g-70g ‘windings is also connect to the external power source. In, ‘ther embodiments the extemal power source connec (0 ‘ther points along cack ofthe second windings ofthe pair of Jnteenal windings, and the second windings tap the corte- sponding output windings at a point oer thaa the end ofthe second winding, ‘The three output windings have a frst and second end point. Each set of thse corresponding endpoints represent ‘put points to one half ofthe twelve-pulse rectifier. In one 0 o lementaton, these end points are utilized as inputs ‘another level of autotrans formers to enable 24-pulse rect ication ‘The above as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become appsagent in the following detailed written description BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS ‘The novel features believed characteristic ofthe invention will beset forth in claims: The invention itself however, as well as a preferred mode of we, further objects and advan- tages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description ofan illustrative embodiment ‘when read in conjunetion with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. LA illustrates a first zig-zag connected, phase-shift- ing auto-transformer connected to a twelve-pulse rectifier according t one implementation of the present invention FIG. 1B is a schematic of the zig-zay configuration of trunsformer windings that make up the esseace of the aulo-transfonmer of FIG, LA aeconding 10 one embodiment fof the invention: FIG. 1C is a schematic of an auto-transformer with ‘asymmetrical phase shills aocording to one embodiment of ‘the present invention PIG. 2 illustrates a second zig-zag connected, phase shifting auto-transformer connected 1 a twelve-pulse rect fier, where the no-load output voltage is higher than the power system voltage according to another embodiment of the present invention: FIG. 3 illustrates a third zig-zag connected, phase-shifting faulo-trastormer connected to a Welvepulse retlier, where the no-load output voltage is lower than the power system voligge according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic ilustrating multiple levels of connected avto-transformers designed similarly «0 FIG. 1, Which enable connection to a twenly-fourpulse rectifier according to one embodiment of the present invention: PIG. § is a schematic ilusraing multiple levels of connected auto-ransformers designed similarly to FIG. 2, Which enable connection to a Wenty-fourulse rectifier ‘where the no-load output voltage is higher than the posser system voligge according to another embodiment of the present invention: FIG, 6 is a schematic ilustrating mukiple levels of connected auto-imasformers designed similarly to FIG. 1 ‘which enable connection to a twenty-fourpulse rectifier where the no-load output voltage is lower than the power system voltage, acconfing to another embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 7 illustmtes an alternate design and connection of multiple Jevels of auto-transformers that exhibits substan- tially similar input-1o-output voltage and current character istics asthe auto-ransformers of FIG. 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT(S) ‘The invention presents a series of novel designs for ig-7ag connected auto-transformers exhibiting the inherent ability to block the flow of zor sequence currents associated ‘with mltiple-pulse rectifiers. Various embodiments of the actual auto-transformer designs are illustrated in FIGS. 1A, IC through 7. However, the finetionality of these trans- Tormers are made possible through the wiring configurationUS 7,049,921 B2 3 provided by the coil circuits of FIG, 1B, which provides @ Yig-ag conliguration of coil circuit componeats, as described belo ‘The invention provides a phase shifting autotransformer ‘designed with inherent ability to block the flow of zero sequence currents astocisted with twelve pulse rectifiers such as utilized in variable frequency drives. The trans- ormer coils are wound in three separate, muli-wound els ‘on three single-phase cores. In altemate embodiments, the tronsfonner coils are wound on a fourleg or a five-les, three-phase core, Notably, the invention does not provide & three-Leg three-phase core because the zen sequedce block- Jing voltage is in phase in all thee coils and a throe-leg. core ‘does not have a closed magnetic path to complete the 2er0 sequence magnetic cireut “A general overview of the invention as provided with the appending claims follows. The transformer of the inven- tion generally includes at least three input terminals arranged for electrical connection to a three phase poser Source and at least six ouiput terminals arranged for elec trical eonneetion to an external multiple phase load. Adi tionally, the transformer comprises a fist coil, a second coil and a third coil, cach containing at least fist isolated Winding, a second isolated Winding and a third isolated ‘winding, Fach isolated winding has atleast a frst end and, ‘4 second end, andl each of the third windings is tapped at ‘conesponding points “The frst ends of the fist windings of the frst, second and third coils are elecrially connected together to form an ‘electrical neutral, The second winding of the first coil is ‘electrically connceted tothe tap of the third winding ofthe second coil. The second winding of the second coil is ‘leczically connected tothe tap of the third winding of the third coil, Likewise, the socond winding of the thied coil is ‘electrically connected tothe tp ofthe third winding ofthe first eo Additionally, the second end of the frst winding of the first coll i electrically connected to the second end of the second winding of the second coil, the second endo the frst ‘winding of the secon coil is electrically connected to the second end of the sccond winding of the third coil, and the second end of the frst winding ofthe thre coils electrically ‘connected to the second end of the second winding of the first eo ach of the three fint ends of the third windings is ‘connected 10 a separate one of the at least six omput terminals, and cael of the three second ends of the third ‘windings is conneeted to a separate one of the remaining ‘output terminals. In one embodiment, the transformer is constructed using single phase cores, while in another embodiment the tans- omer is constructed using a five legged three phase core. Imespective of the particular core iype being uilized, the first end ofthe socond winding of the first coils electrically ‘connected tothe ap ofthe third winding ofthe second col, ‘The first end of the second winding of the second coil is ‘electrically connected tothe tp of the third winding ofthe third coi, and the first end of the socond winding of the third ‘oll electrically connected tothe tap of the third winding of the frst col Several aliemate embodiments ae provided for connect fing the three inp terminals to the transformer windings In frst embodiment, the tap of each the third winding is, ‘electrically connected to a separate one of the atleast three input terminals. Ina second embodiment, the second wind- ings are tapped at corresponding points, and ench tap of the second windings is connected o a separate one oF the at least 0 o 4 {hee input terminals, With this second embodiment also, the first end ofthe sevond winding ofthe fist coil is electrically ‘connected to the tap of the third winding of the second coil, the first end of the second winding of the second coil is electrically connected to the ap ofthe third winding of the third ool and the ist end ofthe socond winding ofthe third coil is electrically connected tothe tap ofthe third winding of the frst coi In a third embodiment in which the second windings are also tapped at corresponding points the tap of the second ‘winding of the frst evil is electecally connected tothe tap of the third winding ofthe second coil, the tap ofthe second ‘winding ofthe second cols electrically connected to the tap of the third winding of the thin coil, and the tap of the second winding ofthe third col is electrically connected 10 the tp of the third winding of the first coil. With this configuration, each ofthe firs ends ofthe socond windings js electrically connected toa separate one of te atleast three ‘input terminals. Referring now 1 FIG. 1B, a vector oriented winding schematic 180 js illastrated with various endpoints (repre senting the input and output points for each pair of windings) indicated by numbered letters Xn and Ra, respectively. Three output windings 120, 122, 124 and three intemal ig-70g configured pairs of windings 180, 132, 134 are provided, ‘he three output windings each have a fist and second end poiat labeled even to xkl numbered subseript of R (he, RIE-R2, R3-RA, and RE-R6). The three internal ig-zag pairs 130, 132, £34 are connected at comresponding ends of ‘first winding to foam an electrical acutal Z. Tae opposing end of the second winding of each of the three internal pairs of windings 130, 132, 134 are respectively connected to 2 tap oa one of the ouput windings 120, 122, 124, In this illistation (made clearer in FIG. LA), th tap of each of the ‘output windings 130, 132, 134 is also the point of contact (X1, X2, and X3) for respective ones of the input terminals ‘4, X2, and X3 represents the point of contact for the three-phase input voltage tothe particular transformer, and the lation changes with the specific design of the tans- ‘ormer(s) illustrated, Fach ofthe six windings (the three internal pairs of windings) connected in a zig-zag pattern ‘between X1_X2, and X3 carry curents appropriate to mate the effective ampere tuens flowing in the windings teri rated at RI through R6. Also, together, the six zigzag connected windings are designed to aperate at the voltage ‘applied to input points X1, X2, and X3. Inthe base designs of autostransformers (FIGS, LA, 1C, 2 and 3), RA, R3, and S (corresponding frst endpoints) represent output points to ‘one half of the twelve-pulse rectifier, and R2, R4, RO (corresponding second endpoints) represent output points to the other half of the twelve-pulse rectifier. Another set of auto-transonmer designs (FIGS. 4, §, 6 and 7) utilize these tedpoints as inputs to another level of eto-transformers to ‘enable 24-pulse rectification, An addtional eonfiguation is falso contemplated in which the transformer is utilized for 8.pulse rectification, ‘With the windings generally configured according to the above deseribed embodiment, the phase angle displacement between RI-R3-RS and R2-R4-R6, whien designed for & ‘welve-pulse recifie, is approximately 30°. The equivalent VA size ofthe transformer designed with these parameters ‘and the above windings is approximately one-fourth of an jsolation-transformer that yields the same output power “Turning now tothe illustrations of actual auto-transform. fe connected to respective rectifier cincits, there are ‘depicted several variations of the configuration of intemalUS 7,049,921 B2 5 coilswindings generally similar to the above described configuration. FIG. 14 displays the wiring schematic of a Yig-rag connected, phase-shifing autotransformer 100 con- nocted ta twelve-pulse rectifier IS. As illustrated. each of the three output windings 120, 122, 124 (ie., RI-R2, R3-+Rd and RS-*R6) caries the current associated with the six wires 110 connected tothe twelve pulse rectifier MS, and ‘each of those windings 120, 122, 124 are designed for the voltage and phase relationship required by the retifier 1. Fuher, each of the output windings 120, 122, 124i tapped by the end of the second winding of one of the internal windings 130, 132, 134 Fach input teminal ofa three phase input power source (or input voltage) 105 is connected to the windings at respective input points XI, X2, and X3. In the illustrative ‘embodiment, int voltage of 480 Volts is applicd. Output vollage terminals 117 extending beyond the 12-pulbe rect fier 115 enable attachment of a load to transformer 100. Within auto-transformer 100, the no-load ouput voltage 17> js approximately 3.% higher than the power system voltae Gaput voltage 105). Tho 3.5% inereaso in oMput voltage {alls within the delta of expected and acceptable rectifier ‘operating limits Since the first four transformers are similarly configured (vith: auto-transformer 100, 170, 200, 300 having input ‘windings connected to respective twelve-pulse rectifiers IIS, 215, 315), te specific description of the configuration ‘of the other three figures (i.e. FIGS. IC, 2 and 3) are aot given detailed discussion except for spocifie features and Tunetionality that are different from FIG. 1. Thus, FIG. 2 display’ a Wiring schematic ofa similar, 2ig-zag connected, phase-shifting auto-ransformer as tha of FIG. 1. However, unlike FIG. 1, the input temninals are not connected at the tap of the output windings 220, 222, 224 (which also ‘corresponds to the ends of the second windings of the internal winding pairs). Rather the input sires (208) tp ‘corresponding ones of the second windings of the internal ‘winding pairs 230, 232, 234, With this configuration, the no-load oiput voltage 217 is actually made higher than the voltage of the input posser source 208, This embodiment is useful where the rectifier is designed for a cerain rated voltage, such as 600 vots, and the power system available at the installation location is lower, stich as 480 volts. Ths, ‘as shovin by the ilusiative embodiment, a voltage increase js provided Irom 480V up to 600Y. The specific change ia voltage (480V to 600V) fs provided solely for illustative Purposes aad not meant 10 be Timiting on the invention. Tins, other voltage changes ean be accommodated uilizing the auto-tansformer configuration of FIG. 2 FIG. 3 also displays wiring schematic of a zig-zag con- nected! phase-shifting uto-tansformer 300 with input wind- ‘ngs connected to a twelve-pulse rectifier 315 asin FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, However, auto-ransformer 300 of FIG. 3 is ‘distinguishable for the previous two transformers because the second winding of each of the intemal winding pairs 330, 332, 334 is iiself extended beyond the tap ol the linus 320, 422, 324 so that each ped By the corresponding output ‘winding 320, 322, 324 Ina altemate embodiment, additional coils (or windings) $40,342, 244 are coupled to the tap ofthe output windings 320, 322, 324 and the end of the second windings (of the Jornal winding poirs 330, 382, 84) ata fist ond and then to the input terminals 308 (XI, X2, X3) atthe next end ‘These additional windings 340, 342, 344 each has a single winding and the windings 340, 342, 344 are juxtaposed ross from the intemal paits of winding 330. 332, 334 relative tothe output winding 320, 322, 324 0 o 6 With the taps on the second winding of the intemal winding pairs (or the additional windings) in the above contiguration, the no-load output voltage 317 i lower than the voltage ofthe input power applied at the it temninals 305. This embodiment is useful where the reciicr is ‘designed fora certain rated Voltage, eh as 480 volts, and the power system available t the installation location is higher, such a8 600 vols. The illustrative embodiment indicates @ voltage change from 600V down to 4B0V. Again, this change is presented solely for ilutrative purposes, and ‘other voltage changes may be accommodated filizing varie tions of the circuit of FIG. 3, Fach of the above illustrated and described zig-zag con- nected, phase shilling, auto trnsfomaers comprises one oF rove sels of three ouput phases that are time delayed relative othe input and oer sets oF three output phases hat fare time advanced relative to the input. However, some twelve pulse rectifier applications require that one set of ‘outputs has @ diffeweat amount of time difference (phase shift) relative to the input when compared with the other ‘uit. For example, an atto-trnsformer may be required that exhibits asymmetrical phase shifts of 7.5° for one ofthe ‘outputs relative tothe input hile the other output is shifted 22.5" in the opposite direction, FIG. 1C illustrates wiring schematics of an auto-trans- ormer 150, which exhibits these asymmetrical phase shifts ‘The direction (delay of advance ofthe output) depends on the phase sequence (A-B-C or A-C-B) of the input, When the input phase sequence is reversed (ie, changed form A-B-C to A.C B), the output that was shifted 75° in one ircetion will then be shifle7.5° inthe opposite direction Additionally, dhe output that was shifted 22.5" in one die ‘ion will then be shifted 22.5” ia the opposite direction (or 22.5"), This asymmetrical shifting allows multiple twelve- pulse rectifiers to be atranged to appear to the power system fs a swenty-four-palse load, FIGS. 4-7 provided a multi-level configuration in whieh 4 frst level comprises ane of the above three described ‘ulo-transfonmers and second level comprises two some- ‘what similarly configured auto-iansformers. The output jonnectorsvires of the auto-ransformer at the first level serve as the (Wo pairs of three phase inputs for respective ‘ones ofthe to stito-teansformers atthe second level. For purposes ofthe invention, the term “level” refers solely 40 fhe output of one autotransformer serving es the input of another transformer, rogardiess of the actual physical con- Tiguration of the overll trinsformer system. With these configurations, however, de illustrated transformer system is able to support 24pulse rectification rather than rectification witha single level configuration. Fach Of FIGS. 4,5, and 6, are substantially multi-level extensions fof the aute-tansformer illstated hy FIGS. LA, 2, and 3, respoctively. The frst level suto-trnsfonmer is labeled A. while the two auto-transformers at the second level are labeled B and C, respectively. The use ofthese alpha-labels indicates that the configurations of the auto-transformers are substantially similar and thus share similar numeric labels (ea, 420A on first level autotransformer, and 420B, 420C ‘on respective second level auto-transformer). FIG. thus displays a multi-level configuration of zig-rag connected, phase-shifting aut-transformers connected 10 3 ‘twenty-four pulse rectfie 418 to yield an output 417. Fach fof the corresponding ends of the output windings 420A, 422A, 424, of tho firs level anto-transtormer is coupled 10 the input wires of one of the second level ato-transformers, whieh connects at corresponding input points X1, X2, X3 Input voltage 408 is connected to level one ato-transformer| similarly as in FIG. 1A. With the configuration of FIG. 4, the rovload output voltage 417 is approximately 4.5% higher than the voliage of the input power system 408. As withUS 7,049,921 B2 1 auto-transformer of FIG. 1, the present voltage boost is ‘expected and falls within acceptable rectifier operating lim FIG. 8 also displays wiring schematic ofa set of zig-zag ‘connected, phasesilting auto-transformers connected to 3 toveaty-four pulbe rectifier 818, Notably, omly the second winding of the intemal windings of the first level auto- transformer are tapped by the input terminals as in auto- transformer 200 of FIG. 2, However, similarly (0 auto- transformer 200 of FIG. 2, the no-load output voltage 517 ‘rom auto-ransformers $00 is higher than the input voltage ‘of the power source $08, As one example, a voltage change from 480 up t0 600 is provided. FIG. 6 displays wiring schematic of multi-level zig-zag ‘connected, phase-shifting asto-ransformers connected to 3 tbventy-fourspulse rectifier 615. Similar to auto-transormer 300 of FIG. 3, additional windings 640, 62, 644 with single Winding are provided (or the second winding i tapped, as described above) at the first level auto-transformer. Also, the ‘configuration esis in a lower no-load ousput voltage 617 than the voltage from the input power source 608. A voltae ‘change from 600 down to 480 is shown, but other voltage ‘changes can be accommodated using the iret of FIG. 6. IG. 7 illustrates an alternate eonfiguration/design of the sult-level asto-transformers shown by £1G. 6, Rather than a single winding on the addtional winding 740, 742, 744 ‘utosransformer of FIG. 7 includes addtional windings 740, 742, 744, each with paired, zig-zag, windings 740, 742, TA8 connected between the ap of respoctive output wind= ings 720, 722, 724 and the conesponding input terminals. ‘This configuration also provides the voltage change exhib- ited hy auo-transformer 60. ‘The invention presents an ato transformer wiring scheme that overcomes the prablem of zer-sequence currents. The invention solves the problems inherent in present auto- transformer implementations, which typically do not work ‘with rectifiers of twelve or more pulse configuration because they do not block the Now of unwanted, em sequence ‘corents without additional components such as interphase transformers or zero sequence blocking transformers. TIndasey-wide benefits are possible fm the implemen- tation of the newly designed) suto-transformers. Primary ‘among these benefits is the substantial elimination of zero sequence currents associated with conventional muli-pulse reclflers while reducing the weight and manufacturing costs ‘associated with isolation transformers, without adding 2er0 sequence blocking components. Additional benotits may be ‘obvious to those skillod in the at While the invention fas been particularly shown and deseribed with reference 1 a preferred embodiment, it will, be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes in fom and detail may be made therein without departing fom the spirit and seope of the invention. ‘What is claimed is 1. A transformer comprising: a Jeast three input terminals arranged for electrical con= neetion toa three phase power soure: at Jeast six output terminals arranged for electrical con- rection toa external multiple phase load; nd frst coil, second coil and a third coil each containing at east a fit winding, a second winding and a third ‘winding, cach winding being isolated relative to each other and having first end and a second end, wherein: ‘each of said thir windings is tapped at comresponding points the first ends of the fist windings are electrically ‘connected together to form an eleesical neutral o 8 said second winding of sid fist coil is eletically Tconnected to the lap of said thind winding of said Second evil: said second winding of sad second col is electrically ‘connected to the tap of said thint winding of said third coil; and said second winding of said third eo is electrically ‘connected tothe tap of sai third winding of said first coi the second end of said frst winding of sid first oil is ‘electrically connected to said second end of said second winding of said second evil the secon end of said first winding of said soond el is electrically connected to said second end of said second winding of said third coi the second end of said fist winding of said thind coil is ‘electrically connected to said second end of said second winding of said first coil, ‘each of the the first ends of sid third windings is ‘connected fo separate one of said at least six output terminals; and ‘each of the three soond ends of ssid third windings is ‘connected to separate one ofthe reisining. output terminal, 2. The transformer of elaim 1, wherein said transformer is ‘constricted using single phase cores, 3. The transformer of claim 1, wherein said transformers constricted using a five legged three phase core 4. The transformer of claim 1, wherein: id first end of said second winding of said first coil is ‘lectrically connected to the tp of sid third winding of | Said seeond coi: sid first end of said second winding of said second cil is electrically connected to the tap of suid thind winding of sai third coil: and sid first end of said second winding of said third coil is lecircally connected to the tp of said third winding of said frst coi 5. The transformer of elim 1, wherein the tap of each said third winding i electrically connected to a separate one of sid t least thre input teminals. 6. The transformer of claim 1, wherein said second windings are lapped at corresponding points 7. The transformer of claim 6, wherein each tap of the second! windings is connected to a separate ane of sid at Teast three input terminals and where: said frst end of said second winding of said first coil is lecrically connected to the tp of said thin winding of| Said socond coi: sid first end of sid second winding of said second el is electrically connected tothe tap of suid third winding ‘of said thid coil and ssid frst end of said second winding of said third eo is ‘lectrcally connected to the tap of said third winding of | Said first col 8. The transformer of claim 6, wherein: sid tap of said second winding of said first coil is lectically connected to suid tap of said thind winding ‘of said second coil, sid tap of suid second winding of said second coil is ‘electrically connected 1 sad tap of said third winding of said third coils and seid tap of said second winding of said third eoil is ‘lecricelly connected to said tap of said thd winding (of sid frst coiUS 7,049,921 B2 9 9, The teansformer of claim 8, wherein each of ssid fist ‘nus of said second windings is electrically connected to 3 Separate one of said atleast three iaput terminals 10, The transformer of elaim 1, wherein each of said fist second, and thied coils contain a fourth isolated winding ‘with a first end electrically connected to a separate one of ‘aid atleast three input terminals and a second end eletei- cally connected tothe frst end of copresponding ones of said Second windings to form a zig-zag configuration, 1. An AC to DC converter system comprising an N-pulse rectifier providing a set of output tenninals, where Nis a mullple of 6 and at least 12, and coresponds 19 & number of inputs of said N-pulse eile wansformer having at least three iput terminals arranged for electrical eonnection to an extemal three phase power source and at last six output terminals farmanged for cletrical connection to an external mule tiple phase load: wherein said transformer further comprises: second el anda third coil each containing at leat frst winding. a second winding and a third ‘winding, cach winding being isolated relative to each other and having a first end and a second end, wherein cach of sad third windings is tapped at corresponding points the fist ends of the fist windings are electrically ‘connected together to form an electrical neutral ssid seeond winding of said first eo is electrically ‘connected to the lap of said thind winding of said second coi said second svinding of said second coil is eletrically connected to the tap of said thind winding of said third col: and ssid second winding of said third coil is electrically ‘connected to the tap of sai thid winding of sai fst cai the socond end of said frst winding of said first oil is electrically connected to ssid second end of said second winding of said second col the second end of said first winding of sid second coil is electrically connected to said second end of said second winding of said third coi the second end of said frst winding of suid third cil is electrically connected to stid second end of said second winding of said first col cach of the three frst ends of said thind windings is ‘connected toa separate one of said at east sx output terminals: and cach of the three second ends of said third windings is ‘connected to a separate one of remaining output Terminals: and ‘wherein the N inpats ofthe N-pulse rectifier are indirectly ‘connected via the transformer to receive power applied to said thee inp terminals, 12, The converter system of claim 11, wherein said transformer is constructed using a five legge three phase 13. The converter system of elim 11, wherein: ‘tid frst end of said second winding of said first coi is ‘letrcally connected to the tap of sid third winding of said second coi sad first end of said second winding of ssid second coi is electrically connected tothe tap of said thid winding of said third coil and 10 ssid frst end of said second winding of said third eo is electrically connected to the tap of sid thi winding of| Said first col 14, The converter system of claim 11, wherein the tap of 5 each suid third winding is electrically connected to a sepa ‘nite one of said at least the input terminals, 15, Theeonvertr system of claim IL, wherein said second windings are tapped at corresponding points 16. The converter system of elaim 15, wherein each tap of othe sccond windings is connected toa Separate one of said at Teast three input terminals and wherein sid fist end of suid second winding of said first col is lectrcally connected to the tp of said thi winding of| Said sooond ca sid frst end of said second winding of said second ceil is electrically connected to the tap of sid tied winding of sai thind coil: and sid first end of said second winding of said third coil is ‘letrcally connocted to the tap of said third winding of Said frst col 17. The converter system of claim 18, wherein: ssid tap of said second winding of said fist coil is ‘lecticelly connceted to said tap of said thd winding ‘of said soeond coi sid tap of said second winding of said second coil is lectically connected to suid tap of said third winding of sai thind col ssid tap of said second winding of said third coil is ‘lectricelly connected to said tap of sai thd winding ‘of said frst coil; and ‘wherein each of sad first ends of said socond windings is lectrcally connected to a separate ane of said at least three inp terminals, 18, The coaverier system of claim 11, wherein each of suid first, second, and third coils contain a fourth isolated ‘Winding with a firs end electrically connected (oa separate ‘one of said at least three input terminals and a second end clectrcally connected to the first end of corresponding ones of said second windings. 19, The converiers¥stem of claim 11, wherein the output terminals to which the thoe fist ends ofthe third windings fare connected and the remaining output terminals to which the thre second ends ofthe third windings are connected are respectively coupled 10 a first and second set of input terminals of the N-pulse rectifier. 120, The converter system of claim 11, wherein suid first, second, and thinl isolated Windings together make up a frst set of transformer windings, said converter system further comprising ‘multiple levels of transformer windings with a first level including sl first set of transformer windings and a second level including a second and a third set of transformer windings; ‘wherein the output terminals ofthe first level to which the ‘thre first ends ofthe third windings are connected and the remaining output terminals of the first level t0 Which the tse second ends of th thint windings are connected are respectively coupled to input terminals ‘of the second aaa third sets of transformer windings at the second level and ‘wherein the firs three and second three ends of the third ‘windings of each of the second and third sets of transformer windings are conpled to separate input terminals of a AN-pulse rectifier 0 o