A Basic Design Tool for Grid-Connected AC–DC Converters Using Silcon Carbide MOSFETs

Abstract

The design and optimization of power converters is a key factor in the growth and development of the power electronics field. However, the process of designing a power converter is not straightforward, and engineers often rely on experience and intuition, sometimes requiring time-consuming computer simulations. This paper presents a tool for the basic design of grid-connected AC–DC converters. The design tool takes specifications and operating conditions for two-level and three-level NPC converter topologies and derives a draft design. The tool calculates the input filter’s electrical parameters, the converter’s losses, the temperature rise of the power semiconductor devices, and the ripple current and voltage of the DC-link capacitor. In order to validate the proposed design tool, four AC–DC converters using SiC MOSFETs were designed. Based on the design results, simulation models and prototypes were fabricated to verify the performance and confirm that the proposed design tool can be used in the basic design process of converters.