Forward converter with two active switches and unity power factor

Abstract

A power converter integrates an input boost converter and an output forward converter into a single power stage utilizing only two active switches. AC input power is provided through a rectifier to an input inductor which supplies current to a main node. The diode is connected from a main node to a DC bus supply line and current is returned to the rectifier by DC bus return line. An energy storage capacitor and a series connected switching device and diode are connected across the DC bus lines. A second control switching device is connected from the main node to the DC bus return line. The primary of a high frequency transformer is connected between the main node and the junction between the first switching device and diode, and the secondary of the transformer is connected to an output circuit which includes a rectifier and an inductor and capacitor filter to provide a DC output voltage to a load. When both switching devices are turned off, current from the input inductor is supplied to charge up the energy storage capacitor and to drive the transformer magnetizing current to zero. Turn on of both switching devices causes the capacitor to be discharged via the switching devices through the primary of the transformer to supply power to the load. Intermediate modes in which one or the other of the switching devices is on while the other is off are available. By proper selection of the time of turn on of the devices and the modes of switching of the devices, the AC input current can be controlled to be substantially sinusoidal, or the output voltage can be controlled to a selected level, and in either event the power factor as seen at the AC input lines is substantially unity.