Demystifying Three-Phase PFC Topologies
by Didier Balocco, ON Semiconductor, Vélizy, France and Oriol Filló, ON Semiconductor, Munich, Germany, How2Power Today, Feb 15 2021
Focus:
Three-phase power factor correction (PFC) systems are experiencing a sharp increase in
demand driven by vehicle electrification, specifically the growth of fast EV chargers,
and the advent of SiC power semiconductors, which are are enabling higher power and higher
voltage power electronics applications. This 16-page article introduces the key advantages
of three-phase systems and dives into the essential design considerations for these
systems. It presents the six most common three-phase PFC boost topologies—Vienna rectifier
(three-switch boost), T-NPC boost, NPC and A-NPC boost, six-switch PFC boost, and three
parallel single-phase with neutral—explains their pros and cons, and provides guidance on
how to approach a three-phase PFC design from scratch. Prior to discussing each of the
topology options, the article explores these design considerations: unipolar vs bipolar
(two-level or three-level) switching, switching frequency versus power device type,
modulation scheme, losses and thermal management, and bidirectionality and power flow
direction optimization.
What you’ll learn:
- How to select a three-phase PFC topology
- How to design a three-phase PFC boost converter (detailed overview)
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