An optimum design of PFC Boost Converters

This work investigates the influence of the choice of the operation point (Deltai @ fs) under the final volume of PFC boost converter. Boost inductor, EMI filter and thermal heatsink are the elements which main influences in the converter volume. These elements are strongly influenced by the chosen operation point, showing a direct relationship among them. With the increase of switch frequency and of the input current ripple occurs reduction of the boost inductor volume. On the other hand, it increases the switching losses in semiconductors, and influence on the EMI filter volume. It should be highlight that the optimum designs of individual devices or parameters of a system could not take the optimization of the overall system. In this form it is strongly recommended that the engineers and designers take into account the overall system, as well available technologies, standard and recommendation, and finally market commitments. The methodology presented performs the converter design in an integrated manner, selecting the operation point that the converter figures out the minimal total volume, starting from input specifications of the point of view electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, standards and recommendations as well. The design takes into account different kinds of semiconductors technologies, filter topologies, heart sinks profile, magnetic cores shapes and materials, furthermore standards that the converter must be comply. For each technology employed the system presents different results, becoming its analysis complex. Based on an integrated design of converter parameters is possible optimize the design figure out the operation point for a minimal volume.