Design and study of the power grid influence of a single-phase 300 W PFC rectifier

Abstract

This report deals with the problems that arises when the amount of plain single phase diode rectifiers on a power grid becomes too large. Different approaches to alleviate the problems is discussed. Judging on simulations, the active power factor correction seems the most promising method. An active power factor correction unit was built and brought into operation with fairly good results. In simulations the THD of the input current was reduced from 160% when no PFC was used to merely 8% when an active PFC was incorporated.