Optimal Design of Bidirectional PFC Rectifiers and Inverters Considering 2L and 3L Topologies with Si, SiC, and GaN Switches

Abstract

Power factor correction converters are widely used in industrial drive systems. Several different configurations and topologies exist for such converters and it is difficult to choose one. Therefore, in this work, a comprehensive selection of possible configurations are optimized and compared against each other. The analysis shows the important aspects of converter design and how the semiconductor technology used (Si, SiC, and GaN) affects the total converter volume. A sensitivity analysis of certain power semiconductor parameters is performed to highlight the benefit of possible future developments of components and materials. In addition, the differences between the rectifier stage, where an electromagnetic interference filter stage is necessary, and the inverter stage, where the harmonic motor losses are influenced by the modulation scheme, are presented.