A novel near-unity power factor AC drive

Abstract

In this paper, a new method of improving the input current total harmonic distortion (THD) as well as power factor of a three-phase suppressed-link rectifier-inverter is presented. This proposed method makes use of a novel controlled diode rectifier. This paper illustrates how the proposed new method can enable a rectifier-inverter AC motor drive working in a wide power range with near unity power factor and low harmonics. The analysis of the circuit with new control method is described. The main features of the topology are low cost, small size, high efficiency and simplicity.