Power Losses Estimation on a Semi-Bridgeless PFC Using Response Surface Methodology

Power losses (Ploss) in Power Factor Corrector circuits (PFC) are hard to predict and estimate due to the changing current and voltages across the power switches. Traditional methods using simplistic conduction and switching loss ( Pcond and Psw) equations leading to inaccurate results. Furthermore, when the information from datasheets is used, the predictions can be severely misleading, as the datasheet only provides information at limited operating condition. In this paper, a technique to estimate Ploss in semi-bridgeless PFCs, based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM), is presented. The proposed methodology extracts the characteristics from each switching device under a wide range of operating conditions and provides results with accuracy well beyond existing methods. As well, the main loss mechanisms for the semi-bridgeless PFC are studied in detail. The device characterization covers all the operating conditions of the semi-bridgeless PFC, thus improving the accuracy of the Ploss prediction. The proposed methodology is validated comparing experimental data against the Ploss estimation calculated using the proposed method and the traditional method.