Evaluation of the Efficiency Performance of 3-Phase, 6-Switch PFC Circuit Based on the Used 1.2 kV SiC Transistor

Branislav Hanko,Jan Morgos,Michal Frivaldsky

doi:10.3390/electronics11030363

Abstract

This paper evaluates the performance of the high-voltage wide-band gap SiC power transistors equipped within 3-phase bridgeless 3 kW PFC circuit. The main aim of the study is the experimental evaluation of the dynamic properties and driving power requirements of the transistors, for which the parameters are similar. These are competing products from different manufacturers, while the selection criterion was the same type of package technology (7 pin D2PAK). Second, the effect of the transistor type was analysed in terms of the performance efficiency of the PFC circuit. Within the analysis, the driver circuit was constructed first, and adapted to high voltage transistor driving. During individual measurements, the driver remained the same, while gate-driver losses were analysed for individual transistors. The obtained results reveal differences related to requirements on driving power, as well as to the dynamics of transistors themselves. At the end of the paper, the evaluation of efficiency for different operating conditions of a constructed PFC converter is realized. The obtained results provide a more detailed overview of the dynamic properties of transistors and their impact on the resulting efficiency of the main circuit also in terms of driving requirements.

Highlights

The huge growth of ICT, electromobility, renewables, industrial technologies, data centers and data storage increases the daily demands on the electricity supply
From the dynamic point of view, the switching times were evaluated, i.e., the fall and rise time were of the nominal operational conditions proposed for the PFC converter
For the designed PFC converter, the selection of proper components is a compromise between optimal values of static parameters and parasitic capacitances

Summary

Introduction

The huge growth of ICT, electromobility, renewables, industrial technologies, data centers and data storage increases the daily demands on the electricity supply. In connection with the increase in the level of electronics in all consumer and industrial sectors, alongside the demand for electricity, the phenomenon concerning its quality is important. Due to the availability of electricity, the 1-phase or three-phase distribution network distribution is mainly used. Most electrical equipment requires one-way distribution, which must be adapted . For this reason, most devices are equipped with an AC/DC converter that allows the devices to connect directly to the network. High efficiency and power factor are important features of these converters [1,2,3,4,5]

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Conclusion