Design and Implementation of Single Phase Active Front End Converter for Power Quality Improvement

Abstract

AC-DC converters are commonly used for providing dc link voltage, Adjustable Speed Drives (ASD), UPS application and front end supply for the SMPS. Non-linear loads produce harmonics. The conventional uncontrolled power converter draws a distorted current from the power supply. Distorted current waveforms can produce oscillating currents, causing high harmonic voltages. The high harmonic current in voltage and current lead to all kinds of adverse operation in power systems and can damage power system components and connected equipment. PWM AC-DC voltage source converter is preferred because of its ability to deliver nearly sinusoidal current at unity power factor. The main objectives by controlling of PWM AC-DC converters is to achieved unity power factor and minimum harmonic distortion in input line current. As IGBTs are used for high switching frequency, the lower order harmonics existing in conventional system can be shifted to the order of switching frequency, resulting in better current profile, lower THD in line current and near about unity power factor. A single phase AC-DC converter is fabricated which will provided desired boosted up DC voltage with minimum ripple, unity power factor at supply side.