Highly reliable and compact universal power converter

Abstract

A universal power converter of the present application may include a link stage between an input stage and an output stage that operates at a higher frequency than the frequency of the input power source. As a result, a more compact capacitor may be used, thus reducing the size of the power converter. In some embodiments, the link stage may be a partially resonant link that permits zero current switching (ZCS). ZCS operation may reduce switching losses during operation. Universal power converters of the present application utilizing ZCS may be implemented using naturally commutated switches, such as silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), instead of transistor switches. Such power converters utilizing SCRs may be more reliable than power converters utilizing transistor switches. Additionally, control circuitry required to operate such power converters may be simplified. Accordingly, a more compact, efficient, and reliable universal power converter may be achieved.