Multiphase rectifier circuit with dynamic AC input to DC output voltage range compression utilizing half and full wave rectification modes

Claim 1

A rectifier circuit for providing a variable DC output voltage from a varying input AC source to which the rectifier circuit is coupled, wherein the variable DC output range is less than the varying AC input range, said rectifier circuit comprising: (a) first multiphase rectifier means for connection to an AC source to provide an output voltage of one polarity at a first output terminal of said rectifier circuit; (b) second multiphase rectifier means for connection to an AC source to provide output voltages of an opposite polarity at a second output terminal of said rectifier circuit; switching means selectively operable to render one of said rectifier means nonconducting; (c) output voltage range compression circuit means for limiting the ratio of the output DC voltage range to a lesser value than the ratio of the AC input voltage range, including; (1) control means responsive to the output DC voltage for generating switching voltages in response to the rectified output voltage, said control means generating a first switching voltage when said rectified output voltage is at a predetermined upper level and generating a second switching voltage when said rectified output voltage is at a predetermined lower level, (2) means coupling said switching voltages to said switching means for electively actuating said switching means to operate said rectifying means in a half wave rectification mode above said upper level and in a full wave rectification mode below said lower level, and in both half wave and full wave rectification modes between said levels. (3) said switching means operating to maintain full wave rectification between said levels when said output voltage is increasing and half wave rectification when said output voltage is decreasing.