Optimization of Circuit Constants in Single-Phase Passive High Power Factor Rectifier for European Use

Abstract

The single-phase diode rectifier offers several advantages such as a simple topology, low high-frequency noise, high reliability, and high environmental durability. However, diode rectifiers produce undesirable lower-order harmonics in the input current. To overcome this problem, this paper proposes a single-phase voltage-doubler diode rectifier without active switching devices, which meets the IEC 61000-3-2 (Class A) regulation. In this study, the main circuit constants that minimize the total size of the ac-side inductor while satisfying the target specifications of the previously proposed rectifier are obtained by computer simulations. Then, the effectiveness of these optimum constants is demonstrated by a comparison with experimental results using a prototype rectifier (3.6 kW, 230 V/50 Hz).