Optimized Bidirectional PFC Rectifiers & Inverters - Si vs. SiC vs. GaN in 2L and 3L Topologies -

In industrial drive systems, PFC converters are widely used. For PFC converters, a lot of different configurations and topologies exist and it is difficult to choose one. Therefore, in this paper, a comprehensive survey of possible configurations are optimized and compared against each other. The analysis shows the important aspects of the converter design and how the used semiconductor technology (Si, SiC and GaN) affects the total converter volume. A sensitivity analysis of certain power semiconductor parameters is performed to highlight the benefit of possible future developments of components and materials. In addition, the differences between the rectifier stage, where an EMI filter stage is necessary and the inverter stage, where the harmonic motor losses are influenced by the modulation scheme, are presented.