Current Interactions Mitigation in 3-Phase PFC Modular Rectifier through Differential-Mode Choke Filter Boost Converter

Rui Melicio,Stanimir Valtchev,José Teixeira Gonçalves

doi:10.3390/app11041684

Abstract

In this paper, a new way to mitigate the current interactions is proposed. The problem of current interactions arises when a modular three-phase (3-phase) rectifier (three single-phase modules) with boost converter for power factor correction (PFC) is used. A new differential-mode choke filter is implemented in the developed boost converter. The choke here is a specially made differential inductor in the input of the boost converter that eliminates the known current interactions. To prove the new concept, a study of the level of mitigation of the current interactions is presented. The control is operated in continuous driving mode (CCM), and the popular UC3854B circuit was used for this. The rectifier proposal is validated through a set of simulations performed on the PSIM 12.0 platform, as well as the construction of a prototype. With the results obtained, it is confirmed that the differential-mode choke filter eliminates the current interactions. It is observed that at the input of the rectifier, a sinusoidal alternating current with a low level of harmonic distortion is consumed from the grid. The sinusoidal shape of the phase current proves that a better power factor capable of meeting the international standards is obtained, and that the circuit in its initial version is operational. This proven result promises a good PFC operation, to guarantee the better quality of the electrical energy, being able to be applied in systems that require a high PFC, e.g., in battery charging, wind systems, or in aeronautics and spacecrafts.

Highlights

Most electrical loads use direct current (DC) electrical energy, which implies the use of a rectifier that converts alternating current (AC) electrical energy to DC, which is known as a static rectifier
It is composed of three single-phase rectifier modules, each of which is connected to a boost converter with control in the CCM
For the rier transform results, power factor and total harmonic distortion foroutput thethe parameters; the values ofvalues the of currents and voltage are considered too

Summary

Introduction

Most electrical loads use direct current (DC) electrical energy, which implies the use of a rectifier that converts alternating current (AC) electrical energy to DC, which is known as a static rectifier. There are several types of AC–DC converters (rectifiers) prepared for various loads. The character of the load depends on the respective need and the cost associated with the rectifier. Rectifiers are classified into two groups, bidirectional and unidirectional. The bidirectional rectifiers are usually formed by a Graetz bridge (single-phase or three-phase) with transistors (MOSFETs, IGBTs, etc.), requiring a control circuit to drive the transistors. They are often used as a first stage for an AC–DC–AC converter, when after the rectifier the goal is to inject energy to the grid. Some wind turbines apply this double conversion for producing the final AC power [2,3,4] or in aeronautical applications [5]

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Conclusion