What are AC to DC CONVERTERS?
An AC to DC converter is a device that converts electricity from one form to another. There are several types of converters, each with different features. Among these are efficiency, noise, Short circuit protection, and energy storage. Choosing the best AC-to-DC converter for your needs is important. In this article, we will cover some of the most common types of converters.
Efficiency
Several factors influence the efficiency of an AC to DC converter. One factor is the switching element. This element controls the power delivered through the transformer from the primary to the secondary side. This switching element is also known as the power stage. The switching frequency of this element can be hundreds of kHz. It has a regulated ON/OFF state that changes depending on the amount of power required by the load. Another important factor is the feedback path from the secondary side. Various isolation techniques are used for feedback. High-frequency switching results in smaller transformer requirements, which will reduce the size and cost of the converter.
Another factor that affects the efficiency of an AC to DC converter is the Power Factor. This factor can be as low as 0.5 for a converter rated at the highest load. It is also important to understand that apparent power is twice as much as real power. For this reason, measuring the real power at the different line and load conditions is important. Normally, an AC-DC converter’s efficiency should be determined at 25-cent load, 50% load, and 75% load, as well as at high line voltages.
Noise
Adding noise filters is one way to reduce the noise from an AC to DC converter. These filters are designed to reduce common-mode noise. They are typically made from a combination of inductive and capacitive components. During development, noise suppression topologies must be carefully designed to reduce noise levels while enabling high-speed switching.
Noise in an AC to DC converter can come from many sources. Some of the sources include the power line and output power cables. The output power cables are typically double or triple-shielded, which minimizes common-mode noise.
Short circuit protection
The short circuit protection of AC to DC converters is essential for preventing damage to the main power semiconductors. These include BJTs, MOSFETs, and IGBTs. A fuse is often insufficient as it does not protect the switching elements. Moreover, a fusing device cannot work with the currents that come out of 600 V DC bus voltage because a fusing device has an I2 t characteristic.
Moreover, modern AC converters incorporate multiple features, including over-current and ground fault protection. These devices are designed to detect and avoid damage caused by overload and short circuits.
Energy storage
Energy storage is a key component for utility-scale PV systems. It can benefit utilities in various ways by adding storage to an existing PV array or a new solar array. There are six different solar plus storage use cases. Three can be implemented with a DC-coupled energy storage system, while the others require an AC-DC converter.
Battery storage technologies boost energy independence, lower your carbon footprint, and give you more control over your electricity bills. These technologies can also help ensure that your home has always-on power.
