Comprehensive review of high power factor ac-dc boost converters for PFC applications

Abstract

High power factor rectifiers have been consolidated as an effective solution to improve power quality indices in terms of input power factor correction, reduction in the total harmonic distortion of the input current and also regulated dc voltages. Within this context, this subject has motivated the introduction of numerous converter topologies based on classic dc-dc structures associated with novel control techniques, thus leading to the manufacturing of dedicated integrated circuits that allow high input power factor by adding a front-end stage to switch-mode converters. In particular, boost converters in continuous current mode (CCM) are widely employed since they allow obtaining minimised electromagnetic interference levels. This work is concerned with a literature review involving relevant ac-dc single-phase boost-based topologies with high input power factor. The evolution of aspects regarding the conventional boost converter is shown in terms of improved characteristics inherent to other ac-dc boost converters. Additionally, the work intends to be a fast and concise reference to single-phase ac-dc boost converters operating in CCM for engineers, researchers and experts in the field of power electronics by properly analysing and comparing the aforementioned rectifiers.

Review on State-of-the-Art Unidirectional Non-Isolated Power Factor Correction Converters for Short-/Long-Distance Electric Vehicles

“…The Boost-based topologies can be sorted approximately in terms of their power processing (incrementally), EMI noise (reduction), input ripple (reduction), and cost (incrementally) as follows: (1) bridgeless Boost topology, (2) bridgeless dual Boost topology, (3) totem-pole Boost topology, (4) interleaved Boost topology, (5) semibridgeless Boost topology, (6) phase-shifted semi-bridgeless Boost topology, (7) bridgeless interleaved Boost topology, (8) bridgeless interleaved resonant Boost topology, and ( 9) improved interleaved phase-shifted semi-bridgeless Boost topology. The aforementioned topologies are showcased in FIGURE 11 and FIGURE 12, and they are discussed in TABLE VI (merits versus demerits) and TABLE VII (power rating, pf, and THD) [10], [19], [35]- [38], [40], [60], [74]- [92]. In addition, in [93], a zero-voltage transition switch for the bridgeless Boost topology was addressed with several types of auxiliary circuits of zero current switching switches operation.…”

Co-Design of the Control and Power Stages of a Boost-Based Rectifier with Power Factor Correction Depending on Performance Criteria

“…Typical rectifiers are constructed with a diode or thyristor bridge and a capacitor to generate an approximately constant voltage to supply the power required by the load. Although those rectifiers are simple and low cost, they produce large distortions in the current provided by the AC source, since a typical rectifier, even with an ideal resistor as load, is a highly nonlinear load from the AC source point of view [1,2]. Those nonlinear loads are translated into a significant increment of the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the AC sources, they negatively affect the load power factor (PF), produce imbalances in the three-phase systems, and, as consequence, it is not possible to utilize the full energy potential from the grid nor meet power quality standards such as IEC 61000-2-3 [3] and IEEE 519 [4].…”

“…One option to supply a DC load from an AC source with low-input current distortions (i.e., low THD) and PF close to one are the rectifiers with active power factor correction (PFC), which are usually formed by a diode bridge, a DC/DC power converter, and a control system [1,2]. Even if those devices introduce higher system complexity and higher costs, regarding traditional rectifiers, the joint operation of the DC/DC converter and the control system can cause the rectifier to behave as a resistive load from the AC source perspective.…”

“…Hence, the PF is close to one, the THD is significantly improved, and there is a reduction in the three-phase system imbalances; all of this allows the increment of the power drawn from the grid. Additionally, these devices can be used for different power levels and allow the compliance of power quality standards [1,2].…”

“…PFC rectifiers can be implemented with different DC/DC converter topologies such as Boost, Buck [5], Buck-Boost [6], Cuk [7], Sepic [8], and Flyback [9], among others. However, Boost-based PFC rectifiers are the most widely adopted topology in the literature, since the Boost converter provides continuous input current, requires few elements (i.e., low cost), has a simple model, and has a simpler analysis and control design than Cuk-and SEPIC-based rectifiers [1,2]. Additionally, Boost converters are also extensively used in a high variety of applications, from motor drives [10] to microgrids [11].…”