Synthesis of Low-Switch-Count Power Converter Topologies

A systematic method is presented for synthesizing power converter topologies, using only a low number of semiconductor devices. The method is based on a single-switch elementary converter that can be used as a power converter building block. It is shown, that many well known converter topologies can be synthesized using the method. Furthermore, two novel single-phase power factor correction (PFC) rectifier topologies are synthesized, their basic control principles are demonstrated and results from circuit simulations are provided, verifying the functionality. The newly found topologies require only half the number of semiconductor devices, compared to conventional solutions, while still providing clamped voltages to all power semiconductors during their off state. The proposed synthesizing method can be applied to AC-DC, DC-DC, isolated and non-isolated, dual- and multi-port converters.