Power conversion circuit with leakage current compensation except near the ac voltage zero crossing

Abstract

A diode bridge has a pair of input ends to which an alternating current is inputted from an AC power supply, and a pair of output ends which output a direct current. A boost chopper circuit is connected to the pair of output ends, and sets up a DC voltage inputted thereto. The boost chopper circuit functions as a power factor correction circuit. A smoothing capacitor is connected to an output side of the boost chopper circuit, and smoothes the voltage across the smoothing capacitor. An inverter receives the voltage across the smoothing capacitor to apply AC power to a load. A leakage current reduction device outputs a compensating current which compensates for a leakage current leaking from the load. The leakage current reduction device outputs the compensating current, except near the zero crossing of an AC voltage inputted from the AC power supply.