A 6-level flying capacitor multi-level converter for single phase buck-type power factor correction

Enver Candan, Andrew Stillwell, Nathan C. Brooks, Rose A. Abramson, Johan Strydom, Robert C.N. Pilawa-Podgurski

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This work investigates behavior of flying capacitor multi-level (FCML) converters in single phase buck-type power factor correction (PFC) applications. Recent developments in FCML converters using GaN transistors are leveraged to improve power density of a single-phase 240 V RMS ac to direct 48 V dc conversion stage in data center power delivery applications. Here, we experimentally demonstrate this concept by using a digitally controlled 6-level FCML converter. The experimental prototype achieves 163 W/in by box volume excluding heat sink and twice-line frequency energy buffer. A key contribution of this work is experimental exploration of flying capacitor natural balancing of an FCML buck converter in a single-phase ac-dc conversion where the flying capacitor voltages must swing at 120 Hz.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication34th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1180-1187
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781538683309
DOIs
StatePublished - May 24 2019
Event34th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2019 - Anaheim, United States
Duration: Mar 17 2019Mar 21 2019

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings - IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition - APEC
Volume2019-March

Conference

Conference34th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnaheim
Period3/17/193/21/19

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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