Power Factor Correction Circuit THD Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power factor correction circuits face challenges in reducing total harmonic distortion (THD) across varying load conditions, requiring complex compensation strategies that are not universally applicable.

Innovation Solution

A power factor correction circuit and control method that adjust the on-time of the main switch based on measured THD, using a controller to inversely superimpose predetermined harmonic components on the input current, thereby minimizing THD without specialized compensation for specific factors affecting the THD index.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If complex compensation control strategies are used to decrease total harmonic distortion, then THD reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal harmonic distortionVSAvoidcontrol strategy complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and compensates only the predominant harmonic components (5th and 7th harmonics) rather than attempting to compensate all harmonics. By identifying and targeting the most significant harmonic sources, the control strategy achieves effective THD reduction while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different compensation strategies for different harmonic components based on their specific characteristics. The 5th and 7th harmonics receive targeted phase and amplitude adjustment, while other harmonics are handled through general PFC control, creating localized optimization without system-wide complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-generated harmful factors

If specialized compensation for specific factors is implemented, then THD decreases under certain conditions, but adaptability across varying load conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal harmonic distortionVSAvoidperformance across load conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal compensation framework that handles multiple harmonic components (5th, 7th, and other predetermined harmonics) through a single control architecture. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to varying load conditions while maintaining consistent THD reduction performance across different operating points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of harmonic compensation parameters based on real-time operating conditions. The controller continuously monitors and adjusts the phase and amplitude of compensation signals to match changing load characteristics, ensuring consistent performance across light, medium, and heavy load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If fast input current closed-loop adjustment is used to achieve power factor correction, then power factor improves, but total harmonic distortion increases under light load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower factorVSAvoidtotal harmonic distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary harmonic compensation by injecting counter-phase harmonic signals before they can significantly distort the input current. By anticipating and preemptively compensating for harmonic generation, the system maintains both high power factor and low THD across all load conditions, including light load scenarios where conventional PFC struggles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3745575B1Power factor correction circuit, control method and controller
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 SILERGY SEMICON TECH (HANGZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP3745575B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3745575B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3745575B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A power factor correction circuit, a control method and a controller are disclosed. On-time of a main switch of a switching-type regulator is adjusted based on the measured total harmonic distortion, to decrease total harmonic distortion while performing power factor correction, without special compensation for a certain type of factors that affect a total harmonic distortion index, such that the control method is simplified.