High energy-efficient and compact AC-AC converters

AC-AC converters offer much better energy efficiency than conventional two-stage power converters or inverters. This paper reports a new modular phase bank design approach of AC-AC converters that significantly reduces the size and weight of the power converter and improves the power density. The modular approach and integrated AC power modules offer a much improved design for the power circuits at affordable cost. In the paper, a preliminary theoretical analysis of the silicon utilization and the AC switch ratings for this new breed of power converter is presented. A DSP based low-cost system control is discussed. Potential major industry applications are also evaluated and highlighted in this paper. Experimental results verify the design.