High Switches Utilization Single-Phase PWM Boost-Type PFC Rectifier Topologies Multiplying the Switching Frequency

Decades of research have seen single-phase boost-type pulse-width modulation converters be employed as front-end power factor correction (PFC) rectifiers in commercial power supplies. The benefits of employing this technology to comply with power quality standards while assuring high efficiency, low volume, and weight have been observed. However, this paper shows that further efforts can be driven toward new topologies. In this context, novel single-phase rectifier circuits are introduced. These are able to double or triple the ripple frequency present at the input components. Furthermore, a high utilization of the switches is observed during both positive and negative grid half-cycles. The theoretical analysis of the proposed topologies as well as their operation in PFC applications are presented and different operation modes are proposed and a comparison with a state-of-the-art PFC rectifier is presented. Finally, experimental verification of a PFC rectifier doubling the switching frequency is presented in a 1-kW prototype employing a current self-control strategy.