Controller design and implementation of a three-phase Active Front End using SiC based MOSFETs

The design and implementation of a three phase Active Front End for power factor correction purposes using fast switching SiC based MOSFETs is presented. Possible applications are within the drives- and renewable energy sector. The controller is designed and implemented in the synchronous rotating reference frame. Besides the theoretical modelling the controller is optimized through simulations and implemented on a low cost DSP processor using a visual programming language - here MATLAB/SIMULINK - with automatic code generation for embedded targets. The paper illustrates the advantages of power factor correction for an active rectifier in comparison to a passive rectifier. The SiC based power switches thereby offer the possibility of using high switching frequencies leading to a reduction in filter size - here a simple L filter. The controller is able to validate the simulation results and improve the power factor and THD level significantly.