New active snubber boost PFC IPM for efficiency improvement in home appliances applications

This paper proposes a new active snubber boost PFC intelligent power module (IPM) to provide a zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) turn-on condition and reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise in home appliances, including room or system air conditioners. The proposed active snubber circuit enables a main boost switch of the boost-type PFC or grid converter to turn on under a ZVS condition and reduce the switching losses of the main boost switch. Moreover, for the purpose of a specialized IPM fabrication, the proposed active snubber PFC IPM is designed to satisfy some design aspects such as space saving, low cost, and easy fabrication. Simulation and experimental results of a 2kW IPM-based active snubber PFC converter are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed active snubber PFC IPM.