3 phase rectification confussing

[windcruiser]

I am confused about 3 phase rectification as explained in windstuffnow website http://www.windstuffnow.com/main/3_phase_basics.htm Using 2 bdridge rectifiers isnt there a rist of omly using 2/3 of the total power and entirely losing one phase. The phase seemingly hunging has no return since the second rectifier AC leg is not connected. Please enlighten

Simon

[drdongle]

The illustration is correct the lower right connection is not used. to see it illustrated look at the left hand schematic, and imagine a forth set of diodes connected like the others but with out a center connection, it simply is unused, and redundant.

[kitno455]

my understanding: a rectifier is just a one-way valve for electrons. the only thing that matters is the potential difference between the input and one of the outputs being greater than two diode drops. that potential difference is maintained by the fact that the pos and neg leads are connected to your load. that is your 'return'.

allan

[electrondady1]

i may be mistaken , but i recall a diagram from danb in which three full wave bridge rectifiers were used, one for each of the 3phase leads. each of the leads were connected to both ac terminals.the idea was that all the diodes were equaly loaded.