Development of a High-Frequency Isolated, Power Factor Corrected Converter

Date
2020
Authors
Cunningham, Brendon
Supervisor
Baguley, Craig
Item type
Thesis
Degree name
Master of Engineering
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Auckland University of Technology
Abstract

When marine vessels connect to shore power supplies, a galvanically isolated AC/AC power converter is typically used to convert the shore supply voltage and frequency to that required by the vessel. Commonly in industry, isolation is provided by a mains frequency transformer. Therefore, the converter size and weight are significant. Within a marine environment, this is very disadvantageous. However, through high-frequency converter operation, advances in terms of reduced size and weight can be realised.

To meet required marine vessel specifications, it is shown in this thesis that a high-frequency AC/AC converter is best implemented using a DC-link converter, as the AC input is rectified and regulated, before inversion back to AC. This thesis is concerned with the input stage of an AC/AC converter, comprising the AC/DC converter used to form the DC-link. The proposed AC/DC converter is a bridgeless isolated type, which combines high-frequency isolation, active PFC, and AC/DC conversion into a single stage using a series resonant circuit. A research gap is identified in the design of the resonant circuit necessary for this converter and thus, a design procedure is developed. This is significant, as the resonant circuit plays a crucial role in the converter operation and the ratings needed for its components. The design procedure is verified through simulation using PLECS, and the development of a prototype unit implemented with digital control and silicon carbide switching devices.

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Keywords
PFC , AC/DC , Isolated , High-Frequency , Converter
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