Three-Phase Boost-Type PFC Rectifier (AC/DC)

Vienna Rectifier 1 - Important Papers

This is a compilation of key papers which have been published on the Vienna Rectifier 1. The material does give a detailed description of the principle of operation, and of different control concepts, and does show experimental results. We would like to recommend studying the papers for making yourself familiar with the Vienna Rectifier concept. In case of remaining questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kolar J.W., Zach F.C.: A Novel Three-Phase Utility Interface Minimizing Line Current Harmonics of High-Power Telecommunications Rectifier Modules. Record of the 16th IEEE International Telecommunications Energy Conference, Vancouver, Canada, Oct. 30 - Nov. 3, pp. 367-374 (1994).
This is one of the first papers on the Vienna Rectifier published in 1994. It does not discuss the final topology of the power circuit (which is only shown in the Conclusions of the paper) but it introduces all important issues required for understanding the system concept. The principle of operation is described and results of a digital simulation are given.
Kolar J.W., Drofenik. U., Zach F.C.: Space Vector Based Analysis of the Variation and Control of the Neutral Point Potential of Hysteresis Current Controlled Three-Phase/Switch/Level PWM Rectifier Systems. Proceedings of the International Conference on Power Electronics and Drive Systems, Singapore, Feb.21-24, Vol.1, pp.22-33 (1995).
The paper is on the analysis of the hysteresis control of the input currents using space vector calculus. The control structure, comprising input current, neutral point potential, and output voltage control loop is discussed and results of digital simulations are shown. The natural stability and the control the control of the neutral point potential are treated in detail. This paper is a suggested first reading. It does show the actual topology of the power circuit of the Vienna Rectifier.
Drofenik. U., Kolar J.W.: Comparison of Not Synchronized Sawtooth Carrier and Synchronized Triangular Carrier Phase Current Control for the Vienna Rectifier 1. Proceedings of the IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics, Bled, Slovenia, July 12-19, Vol.1, pp.13-19 (1999).
The ramp comparison current control (average current mode control) of the Vienna Rectifier 1 is described in detail without using space vector calculus. Nevertheless, the paper does discuss the selection of the PWM carrier signals for three-phase three-wire PWM converter systems which, if not considered would result in higher phase current ripple and reduced efficiency. This paper is recommended as an introduction into the current control and written leaving aside scientific details and therfore should be easier to understand than other papers listed here.
Kolar J.W., Ertl H., Zach F.C.: Design and Experimental Investigation of a Three-Phase High Power Density High Efficiency Unity Power Factor PWM (Vienna) Rectifier Employing a Novel Integrated Power Semiconductor Module. Proceedings of the 11th IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference, San Jose (CA), USA, March 3-7, Vol.2, pp.514-523 (1998).
Here, the switching losses of a power semiconductor module which has been developed for the Vienna Rectifier 1 are determined experimentally and a breakdown of the total system losses to the individual components is given. It is shown in detail how the measurement could be performed and how the switching and conducting losses could be calculated based on the experimental results. This paper gives a deep insight into the determination and distribution of the system losses. We would like to strongly recommended reading the paper prior to building a prototype.
Kolar J.W., Drofenik U., Zach F.C.: Current Handling Capability of the Neutral Point fo a Three-Phase/Switch/Level Boost-Type PWM (Vienna) Rectifier. Proceedings of the 27th IEEE Power Electronics Specialists Conference, Baveno, Italy, June 24-27, Vol.II, pp.1329-1336 (1996).
The paper investigates the stability of the output voltage neutral point in detail. It shows that the control of the neutral point potential can be incorporated into the phase current control with low additional effort. Furthermore, it is verified that in case the neutral point potential control is provided even large amounts of current drawn from the neutral point or fed into the neutral point do not cause an asymmetry of the output voltage partitioning. The paper is of theoretical appearance but in summary does show clearly that there is no reason to be concerned about the neutral point potential stability and/or control.