ABSTRACT

Utility power lines voltage levels vary in different geographical locations, ranging from 208VRMS to 480VRMS. Power factor correction (PFC) converters are typically designed for a particular input voltage and do not accept a wide range of line voltages. This results in multiple product designs and revisions and increased production costs to accommodate the various AC voltage levels used around the world. A PFC converter capable of coping with a wide input voltage range, from 90VRMS up to 530VRMS, would significantly decrease costs and streamline development. In this project, an extended input voltage range PFC converter is proposed which provides a high and almost flat efficiency curve throughout the entire operating voltage range with an 800VDC bus voltage. The proposed converter has a flexible bridgeless structure with simple control, low current ripples, low common mode noise, and startup inrush current handling capabilities. Theoretical analysis and waveforms are discussed and experimental for a 2kW prototype are given, thereby validating the expected behavior. The operation of the proposed extended input voltage range PFC converter is also compared to the traditional totem pole PFC showing more than 1% efficiency improvements at full load and a higher power factor in the proposed design.