Power Conversion - Three-Phase Power Factor Correction (PFC)/Active Front End (AFE) Topologies

Application Note Overview

EV charging is accelerating the need for three−phase based PFC for AC/DC conversion. Other applications that are driving its implementation are Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for industrial sites and data centers.  The second driver for the spread of three−phase PFC topologies is the advent of Silicon−Carbide (SiC) power semiconductors.

This application note introduces the key advantages of three−phase systems and dives into the essential design considerations for a three−phase PFC. Furthermore, it presents the most common three−phase PFC boost topologies in the market, and discusses their pros and cons. Overall the article provides guidance on approaching a three−phase PFC design from scratch and on the suitability of the different topologies based on the application requirements.