2019 8th International Conference on Modern Power Systems (MPS)
Influence of Multi-Pulse Rectifier on Power
Quality in an Industrial Environment
F. C. Baiceanu, F. Munteanu, C. Nemes
Department of Power Engineering
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University
Iasi, Romania
baiceanuflorin@gmail.com
Abstract—The power quality in industry is actually of a greater
importance due to the presence of sensitive loads like computers,
protection relays, measurement and other electronic devices
operated near the high-power nonlinear loads. One of the most
important aspects of this quality is related to the harmonic
distortion of voltage and current waves with the well-known
negative consequences on the industrial power system
components and its operating efficiency. This paper analyses the
effects on the quality of electrical energy of the multipulse
rectifiers used to supply some electrical high-power drives as
main components of the production process, involved in the
driving of the rolls of the scraper from a hot strip mill. The
measurement results show clearly the advantage of the presence
of the 6-pulse and 12-pulse rectifiers during the fast transient
conditions of slab lamination.
Keywords –power quality, harmonics, multipulse rectifiers, steel
industry.
I. INTRODUCTION
The multipulse rectifiers are the common industrial solution
to mitigate the distortions of current and/or voltage waves. The
literature presents many variants with a view to solve the
problem of power quality from which the harmonics injected,
low power factor, a.c voltage distortion, rippled d.c. outputs,
are usual. Paper [1] presents commonly used basic connections
of phase-shifting transformer, such as star/delta, extended-
delta, zigzag, polygon and Scott, and gives the analyses and
comparisons among them. The paper [2] includes details about
a general method to determine the current on AC lines of high
current multipulse transformer – rectifier. The authors provide
an analysis to determine AC currents for a 12-pulse rectifier,
which is formed by two 6 pulse rectifier connected in parallel,
modified zig-zag + 22.50 and - 7.50. A new phase shifting
transformer applied in multipulse diode/SCR rectifiers is
presented in [3]. Results show that the new phase shifting
transformer can not only reduce greatly the harmonics of the
grid side currents, grid side voltages and the load side voltages,
but also dramatically improve its operational parameters
including voltage, current, apparent power, and power factor.
An 84-pulse rectifier system applied in aluminium electrolysis
factories is presented in [4] where the authors developed an
improved polygonal method to analyse the harmonic contents
of the 84-pulse rectifier transformer system. Using this method,
they demonstrated the cancellation of noncharacteristic
harmonic current components under the ideal condition and the
appearance of residual harmonics current components when the
978-1-7281-0750-9/19/$31.00 ©2019 IEEE
operating condition changes. The model of the 84-pulse
rectifier system was based on PSCAD/EMTDC software to
verify the theoretical analysis. The work presented in [5]
investigates the harmonic content of multi-pulse rectifiers when
used to charge large capacitive loads. Six, twelve, eighteen, and
twenty-four pulse rectifiers have been simulated using
Simulink® to predict how higher pulse numbers reduce the
injection of harmonic distortion.
An electronic phase-shifting strategy [6] has been optimized
for a multi-parallel configuration of line commutated rectifiers
with a common dc-bus voltage used in motor drive application.
This feature makes the performance of the system independent
of the load profile and maximizes its harmonic reduction
ability. The paper [7] presents the modelling, simulation and
digital implementation of power quality improvement of DC
drives by using multipulse AC–DC converter. The multipulse
converter was connected with DC drives and was run at no
load condition to find out the transient and steady state
performances using MATLAB/Simulink environment. The
authors of paper [8] presents the principle of operation and
selected results of simulation and laboratory tests of the 18-
pulse rectifier system with coupled reactors and small series
active power filter. The presented system makes it possible to
reduce, especially in distribution supply networks, undesired
higher current harmonics.
II. THE THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
The essence of multipulse converters benefits [9] is based on
the relation(1):
N = kp ± 1 (1)
where N means the harmonics generated by a rectifier, k = 1, 2,
3, …. and p is the number of pulses. As a result, a 3 pulse
rectifier generate all the harmonics excepting the multiples of
3, a 6 pulse one eliminates the even harmonics and generates
only the 5th, 7th, 11th, 13th, 17th, 19th, 23th, 25th, etc. while a 12
pulse rectifier generates the harmonics 11th, 13th, 23th, 25th, 35th,
37th, etc. The rectifier output current pulses, as the d.c. current
components, have quite rectangular shapes. The distortion is
due mainly to the leakage reactance. Consequently, the Fourier
analysis can be the instrument to obtain the amplitude of
harmonic currents. It is demonstrated that
 IN 1 Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
= (2) 2
If N U  ∞

where If and IN are the amplitude of the fth harmonic current THDU =   n  (7)
n = 2  U1 
and of the fundamental one, respectively.
where, Un – the harmonic voltage and U1– fundamental
Distortions analysis in power system. voltage
2
Any periodic signal (wave shape) can be described by  In 
∞

Fourier series described as it follows: THDI =  

I
n =2  1 
(8)

∞ where In– the harmonic current and I1 – fundamental

u (t ) = U dc +  (U ( n )s sin(nωt ) + (U ( n)c cos(nωt )) (3) current.
n =1
The coefficients are calculated using: Total Demand Distortion (TDD), only for the current
2
I 
∞

1
2π TDDI =   n  (9)
U ( n )s =
π  u (t )sin(nωt )dωt (4) n =2  I L 
0 where In – the harmonic current and IL – maximum demand
1
2π load current.
U ( n )c =
π  u (t ) cos(nωt )dωt
0
(5)
Effective value

were n is an integer and = . T is the fundamental time T

1
T 0
period. U RMS = u (t ) 2 dt = U1 1 + THDU2 (10)

The Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) T

1
T 0
I RMS = i(t )2 dt = I1 1 + THDI2 (11)
For a discrete/sampled signal, the frequency spectrum can
be obtained using (6): For low distortion levels, as for the voltage, ≈ .
N −1 k This applies not for higher distortion levels, as for the current.
− j 2π n
X ( k ) =  x ( n) e N (6)
n =0
Active power, mean instantaneous power (total active
power)
T ∞
were N is the number of samples over the period T, X(n) is the 1
amplitude at each sample and k=0,1,2,3…..,M-1. P=
T 0
u(t )i(t) dt = Pdc + 
n =1
P(n) (12)

Each frequency is also here separated by 1/T, with the where Pn = U n In cos(ϕn )
highest frequency component at k = N/2. 1. Reactive power
∞
The highest frequency becomes: N Q = Q1 +  Qn (13)
2T n=2
The main errors encountered in the DFT are aliasing and where Qn = Un I n sin(ϕn )
leakage. If the acquisition speed of samples is under a given
limit, and not suitable to represent high-frequency components, 2. Distortion power
the DFT values will be corrupted by aliasing. Consequently, D = S 2 − P2 − Q2 (14)
the solution is increase the sampling rate or to pre-filter the 3. Power factor (total power factor)
signal in order to minimise its high frequency spectral content.
The continuous Fourier transform of a periodic signal P
pf = (15)
involves the integration over the interval -∞ to +∞ or over an S
integer number of cycles of that periodical signal If the 4. Fundamental displacement factor
measurement to reach the DFT over a non-integer number of P1
cycles of the input signal, the expected results could be cos(ϕ1 ) = (16)
corrupted in some manner. The solution is to use one of the
U1I1
window functions associated with the design of FIR filters.
III. THE INDUSTRIAL MULTI-PULSE RECTIFIERS DIAGRAM
These window functions taper the samples towards zero values
at both endpoints, and so there is no discontinuity with a The measurements were performed in a steel factory. The
hypothetical next period. Finely, leakage of spectral content metallic sheet requirements on the market are much diversified,
away from its correct location is diminished. from the thin sheet used on vehicle industry to the thick sheet
used in maritime ships industry. All those are manufactured
 Table 1. VOLTAGE HARMONICS LIMITS

NPS Harmonic
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Order
Limits_HV
Measurement 1.9 3.0 1.0 5.0 0.5 4.0 0.5 1.3 0.5 3.0
[%]
point B

110 kV Measurement Table 2. CURRENT HARMONICS LIMITS

point A
Limits_HV
ISC/Is
h<11 11≤h<17
<20 2 1
Tr.1, 10 MVA Tr.2, 10 MVA 20-50 3.5 1.75
110/0,64kV 110/0,64kV 50-100 5 2.25
Δ Y 100-1000 6 2.75
y11 y11 y0 y0 >1000 7.5 3.5
y11 y11 y0 y0

B. Total Harmonic Distortion and Total Demand Distortion

These parameters are also found in the quality standards of
electricity, such as EN 50160 [10] and CEI 61000[11]. The
total voltage harmonic distortion for high and very high voltage
is limited to 3%, according to the standard CEI 61000-3-6
M M while limits for total demand distortion according to EN 50160
are given in Table 3
Fig.1. The single line electrical diagram of 12 pulse rectifier Table 3. ADMISSIBLE LIMITS FOR TDD
using cold or hot lamination process. In order to assure the
continuous lamination of the brames coming from the foundry, TDD_LVsi MV TDD_HV
the used mill includes two cylinders through which brames <20 5.0 2.5
passes. These cylinders are operated using two DC electrical 20-50 8.0 4.0
motors supplied through by a three phase rectifier. Motors 5
50-100 12.0 6.0
MW rated power and the current shocks due to rolling cycles,
100-1000 15.0 7.5
impose a safe, stable and powerful source in order to diminish
the system disturbances. Rectifiers are static AC-DC power >1000 20.0 10.0
converters. V. MEASUREMENTS ON A 6 AND 12 PULSE RECTIFIER
A major deficiency of this equipment is the generation of The measuring equipment, Black Box G4500, has been
voltage and current distortions that lead to additional losses and mounted successively in the line that feeds a single
premature degradation of electrical equipment. To reduce the transformer, meaning a 6-pulse rectifier (measurement point A)
negative impact on the quality of electrical energy, the solution and after the main line that feeds both transformers, meaning a
is to increase the pulse number of rectifiers to reduce the rectifier with 12 pulses (measurement point B).
amplitude of the generated harmonics. Fig. 2 and Fig.3 show the dynamics of current and voltage
during rolling process in point A.
Fig. 1 shows the system including a cable line feeding a 2-
sided Δ/4xY and Y/4xY power transformers. This 100
configuration assure phase shift of 300. In turn, each of these
80
power transformers are supplying a 6-pulse rectifier that aims
to power a 5MW DC drive. 60
Current [A]

IV. POWER QUALITY STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

40
The measurement results were compared to the standards in
force limits. 20

A. Voltage and Current Harmonics 0

9:00
9:03
9:05
9:08
9:11
9:13
9:16
9:18
9:21
9:23
9:26
9:29
9:31
9:34
9:36
9:39
9:42
9:44
9:47
9:49
9:52
9:55
9:57

The harmonics were analysed using the recommendations of

EN 50160 standard [10]. According to this standard, the Time [hour]
harmonics limits on high voltage, for current and voltage L1 RMS Current L2 RMS Current L3 RMS Current
harmonics, are presented in Table 1 and Table 2.
Fig. 2. Current evolution on the 110 kV busbar (point A) – 6 pulse rectifier
 116 7
114 6
Voltage [kV]

Amplitude [%]
112
4
110 3
108 2
1
106
0
9:00
9:03
9:06
9:09
9:12
9:15
9:18
9:21
9:24
9:27
9:30
9:33
9:36
9:39
9:42
9:45
9:48
9:51
9:54
9:57
2 4 6 8
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Harmonics order
Time [hour]
L12 RMS Voltage L23 RMS Voltage L12 Voltage Harmonics L23 Voltage Harmonics
L31 RMS Voltage L31 Voltage Harmonics Limits
Fig. 3. Voltage evolution on the 110 kV busbar (point A) – 6 pulse rectifier Fig. 6. Voltage harmonic spectre on the 110 kV busbar (point A) – 6 pulse
rectifier

230 7
6
180 5

Amplitude [%]
Current [A]

4
130
Production 3
80 stopped 2
1
30
0
9:27
9:30
9:33
9:35
9:38
9:41
9:43
9:46
9:49
9:51
9:54
9:57
9:59
10:02
10:04
10:07
10:10
10:12
10:15
10:18
10:20
10:23
10:26

2 4 6 8
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Harmonic order
Time [hour] L12 Voltage Harmonics L23 Voltage Harmonics
L1 RMS Current L2 RMS Current L3 RMS Current
L31 Voltage Harmonics Limits
Fig. 4. Current evolution on the 110 kV busbar (point B) – 12 pulse rectifier Fig. 7. Voltage harmonic spectre on the 110 kV busbar (point B) – 12 pulse
rectifier

116
20
114

15
Voltage [kV]

112
Amplitude [%]

110
10
108

106 5
104
0
10:00
10:03
10:05
10:08
10:10
10:13
10:16
10:18
10:21
10:23
10:26
9:27
9:30
9:32
9:35
9:37
9:40
9:43
9:45
9:48
9:50
9:53
9:55
9:58

2 4 6 8
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Harmonics order
Time [hour]
L12 RMS Voltage L23 RMS Voltage L1 Current Harmonics L2 Current Harmonics
L31 RMS Voltage L3 Current Harmonics Limits
Fig. 5. Voltage evolution on the 110 kV busbar (point B) – 12 pulse rectifier Fig. 8. Current harmonics spectre on the 110 kV busbar (point A) – 6 pulse
rectifier

Measurements in point B, represented in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5,
are suitable for an entire mill stand, i.e. 2 engines powered by 2
transformers. During the measurements the lamination was
stopped for production reasons, but we can see the
consumption of the 2 engines going in the void.
Fig. 6 and Fig.7 show the spectrum of voltage harmonics in
the two analysed points. The 11thand 13th harmonics of the 12
pulses rectifier are predominant.
Analyzing the harmonic spectrum of the current from the
two recorded points, it can be seen that the higher number of
pulses correspond to a lower amplitude of the current
harmonics. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show that only the harmonic 2th
has a constant value in both analyzed points, while the other
harmonics like 3th, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, exceeds
the recommendations of the standard in point A, while in point
B they have acceptable amplitude values.
 12
10
Amplitude [%]

8
6
4
2
0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Harmonics order
L1 Current Harmonics L2 Current Harmonics
L3 Current Harmonics Limits
Fig. 9. Current harmonic spectre on the 110 kV busbar (point B) – 12 pulse Fig. 12. THDI on the 110 kV busbar (point B) – 12 pulse rectifier
rectifier

400

300
THDI[%]

200

100

0
9:00
9:03
9:05
9:08
9:11
9:13
9:16
9:18
9:21
9:23
9:26
9:29
9:31
9:34
9:36
9:39
9:42
9:44
9:47
9:49
9:52
9:55
9:57

Time [hour]
L1 THD Current L2 THD Current L3 THD Current

Fig. 10. THDI on the 110 kV busbar (point A) – 6 pulse rectifier Fig. 13. THDU on the 110 kV busbar (point B) – 12 pulse rectifier

6
THDU [%]

1
9:00
9:03
9:05
9:08
9:11
9:13
9:16
9:18
9:21
9:23
9:26
9:29
9:31
9:34
9:36
9:39
9:42
9:44
9:47
9:49
9:52
9:55
9:57

Time [hour]
L12 THD Voltage L23 THD Voltage L31 THD Voltage

Fig. 11. THDU on the 110 kV busbar (point A) – 6 pulse rectifier Fig. 14. PF on the 110 kV busbar (point A) – 6 pulse rectifier

In Fig. 10, the evolution of the total current distortion Fig. 14 shows the evolution of the power factor in point A
factor, generated by the 6-pulse rectifier, during the rolling having a large range between 0 and 0.89.
period has points where its value exceeds 300%. But due to the The effects of the voltage and current distorted waveforms
power supply, as it is a strong one, the evolution of the total in the case of a 6-and 12-pulse rectifier can be seen in Fig. 15
distortion voltage factor at the same point has stable values and and Fig 16. The voltage wave forms do not exhibit major
is framed within the recommended limits of standards, see
distortions while the current wave shape is visibly distorted in
Fig.11.
the case of the 6-pulsed rectifier but returns to a sinusoidal
Analyzing the same parameters but at measurement B, form in point B, which corresponds to a 12-pulse rectifier.
corresponding to the 12-pulse rectifier, we notice that the
values of the THDI factor decrease significantly with a
maximum of 36.7%, see Fig. 12, and the value of the TDHU
factor remains within the limits recommended by standards,
see Fig. 13.
 150 200
150
100 REFERENCES
100
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