A high power-quality, three-phase utility interface

This study presents a new three-phase ac to dc converter topology that provides a high-power-factor interface to the utility. The circuit topology of the converter is based on the discontinuous mode flyback converter. The flyback converter, operated in discontinuous conduction mode, provides near-unity-power-factor at its power input. In addition, as an inexpensive high-power-factor rectifier suitable for power supplies at the 100 and 200 W level, it is the most favored power converter topology. The objective of this research is to develop the technology for the proposed converter to meet the high-power factor requirements and to serve the demand for an advanced high-power, inexpensive, efficient and small size ac to dc rectifier in the telecommunications market.; The development process involved building analytical and simulation models that characterize converter operation and performance. These models provided the basis for the detailed design to be implemented. Finally, a laboratory proof-of-concept converter intended for 12.5 kW output was built to investigate the performance of the proposed converter in a practical application.; The experimental results verify that the proposed converter achieves a near-unity power factor at the input and a constant voltage regulation at the load side of the interface in a single stage. However, the efficiency of the prototype converter measured lower than expected. Further study revealed that the low efficiency is due to the adverse effects of the parasitic inductances on the energy transfer to the output, and further development must be done to minimize their effects to the extent possible. The study's conclusion indicates that the proof-of-concept converter satisfactorily forms the basis for the next prototype development which will meet the commercialization objectives for this converter.