This paper presents a PFCVF (Power Factor Correction) rectifier that uses a variable frequency source for alternators for electric and hybrid vehicles application. In such application, the frequency of the signal in the alternator changes according to the vehicle speed, more over the loading effect on the alternator introduces harmonic currents and increases the alternator apparent power requirements. To overcome these problems and aiming more stability and better design of the alternator, a new third harmonic injection technique is proposed. This technique allows to preserve a good THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of the input source at any frequency and to decrease losses in semiconductors switches, thereby allowing more stability and reducing the apparent power requirements. A comparative study between the standard and the new technique is made and highlights the effectiveness of the new design. A detailed analysis of the proposed topology is presented and simulations as well as experimental results are shown.

-This paper presents a PFCVF (Power Factor Correction) rectifier that uses a variable frequency source for alternators in electric and hybrid vehicles application. This technique allows to preserve a good THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of the input source at any frequency and to decrease losses in semiconductors switches, thereby permitting more stability and decreasing the apparent power requirements. A comparative study between the standard and the new technique is made. A thermal network is used to calculate the junction temperatures in order to estimate the equivalent losses in the rectifier with respect of junction temperature modifications and power equilibrium. The relations of the proposed model are defined and simulation results as well as experimental results are discussed.