This paper discusses three-phase bidirectional high-power factor mains interfaces for application in smart-houses featuring a local DC distribution grid. The DC grid demanded power can be supplied by local DC generators, such as renewable power sources, and/or by the public three-phase AC mains, which gives the option of feeding back power into the mains in case of a low local power consumption. In order to generate a local 400V DC bus, bidirectionally connected to the European three-phase low voltage AC mains rated at 400V line-to-line, buck-type converter topologies are required. Several possible converter concepts are initially presented and further comparatively evaluated based on the following performance indices: total required semiconductor chip area, overall efficiency, overall passive components volume, and required EMI filter damping. As result of the comprehensive evaluation, the Bidirectional 3^rd Harmonic Injection Active Filter Type Rectifier with DC/DC Output Stage is identified as most advantageous topology for the realization of a bidirectional buck-type PFC rectifier in the considered power range of 5 to 10 kW.

This paper introduces a novel three-phase buck-type unity power factor rectifier appropriate for high power Electric Vehicle battery charging mains interfaces. The characteristics of the converter, named the Swiss Rectifier, including the principle of operation, modulation strategy, suitable control structure, and dimensioning equations are described in detail. Additionally, the proposed rectifier is compared to a conventional 6-switch buck-type ac-dc power conversion. According to the results, the Swiss Rectifier is the topology of choice for a buck-type PFC. Finally, the feasibility of the Swiss Rectifier concept for buck-type rectifier applications is demonstrated by means of a hardware prototype.

This paper discusses novel three-phase high power factor mains interfaces appropriate for Electric Vehicle (EV) battery charging systems. Initially, a highly efficient two-stage ac-dc system, consisting of a three-phase line-commuted rectifier combined with a three-phase shunt connected Active Power Filter (APF) and a group of interleaved dc-dc buck converters operating in Triangular Current Mode (TCM), is presented. In order to replace the costly APF circuit of the front-end converter, while maintaining PFC capability at the input and allowing similar operating conditions for the back-end dc-dc converter, a rectifier topology employing an active third harmonic current injection circuit is proposed. In addition, a novel three-phase buck-type PFC rectifier is introduced for EV charging systems. The characteristics of the presented EV systems, including the principle of operation, modulation strategy, suitable control structures, and dimensioning equations, are described in detail. Finally, a comprehensive comparison of the studied converters rated to 12kW is shown.

This work presents a design optimization procedure for Series Parallel Resonant Converters (LCC) employed in Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) power supplies. The system parameters, such as resonant tank elements, are selected in order to reduce semiconductor losses when a typical ESP energization operation range is considered. Here, the sum of the power losses of the switches are predicted for a set of parameters by mathematical models of the LCC resonant converter, and also by loss characteristics of suitable commercially available IGBTs obtained from experimental analysis and datasheet values. The analysis comprises two different control strategies: the conventional Variable Frequency (VF) control and the Dual Control (DC). Finally, the circuit operation and design are verified with a 60kW charging capability LCC resonant converter test set-up. Both control strategies are analyzed by comparing semiconductor's losses for five commercial modules.