The debate between DC and AC proponents is long gone. At the dawn of electrification, the issues of electricity transportation were discussed quite seriously. I wonder what modern electronic circuits would look like if there was a constant voltage in the outlet? But the proponents of alternating current won, and now you have to use various circuits to convert it. Many of them have already become classic and are widely used in the design of various devices.
One of the pillars in electrical and electronics is the DC rectifier. It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of its use, constant voltage is necessary to power almost all devices. Such power is necessary for the normal operation of household appliances. It is widely used in manufacturing.
The classic diode connection scheme, proposed at the time by Hertz, for a long timewas unclaimed. There is a logical explanation for this, using four diodes to rectify the AC voltage was at least impractical. At that time, the properties of semiconductors were little studied, and vacuum tubes were very expensive. The DC rectifier looked different and its performance was far from ideal.
The situation has changed dramatically with the advent of semiconductor devices. Various rectifier circuits have appeared, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. But the DC rectifier based on the Hertz circuit is still the most reliable source. The disadvantages of such a device include its dimensions and low efficiency. It is believed that such sources are collected according to the so-called linear scheme.
A completely different picture is observed in rectifier devices assembled according to a non-linear scheme. The most successful, as practice has shown, were switching power supplies. They are devoid of all the disadvantages inherent in linear rectifier devices, but they have a high level of noise at the output and less reliability in operation. Such a DC rectifier breaks more often, since their production is associated with a large number of used elements.
Powerful semiconductor diodes assembled into a diode bridge can be used to assemble a DC welding rectifier. Such a device is easy to make with your own hands. Diodes from 250 Amperes and above are mounted onheat sinks. They are mounted on a rigid textolite base. The cathodes of the devices are connected together, this will be a plus. The anodes are also connected using copper plates together, this will be a minus of the device. It turned out two pairs of diodes. The ends of each pair are also connected together with copper bars designed to carry a large welding current. They are supplied with alternating voltage from a welding transformer. You have assembled a device that can supply a large direct current to the load. The welding machine rectifier used in the circuit is reliable enough to provide a long working time for the entire device.
