Considerations on the Application of Improved Power Factor Converter Structures

Improved power factor converter structures (IPCS) suitable for medium to high power applications are categorized by their input characteristics. The interaction of an IPCS with the supply network is reviewed in terms of utility imposed reactive and harmonic compensation requirements. The reduction in capacitive VA requirements for reactive compensation can be offset under certain circumstances by substantially larger filter capacitors. Consequently, the choice of an IPCS for a given application is not universal but depends on customer needs, utility requirements, and economic considerations.