High power factor operation of resonant converters on the utility line

Operation and characteristics of resonant converters on the utility line are presented. Series-parallel (LCC-type) resonant converter operating with discontinuous current mode and continuous current mode (variable frequency control as well as fixed-frequency) are considered. Design examples are presented. SPICE simulation and experimental results obtained for the designed converters (rated at 150 W) are presented to verify the theory. It is shown that high line power factor (>0.95) and line current total harmonic distortion (THD) of <25% are obtained for the LCC-type converter for a wide load range (from full load to 10% rated load) without any active control, and the switch peak current decreases with the load current. With active line current control, low distortion and zero voltage switching for the entire cycle are realized.