Design of an Highly Efficient AC-DC-AC Three-Phase Converter Using SiC for UPS Applications

Abstract

With the constant increase of energy consumption in the world, the efficiency of systems and equipment is becoming more important. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is an equipment that provides safe and reliable supply for critical load systems, that is, systems where a supply interruption can lead to economical or even human losses. The Double Conversion UPS is the most complete UPS class in terms of load protection, regulation, performance, and reliability, however, it has lower efficiency and higher cost because of its high number of power converters. Silicon Carbide devices are emerging as an opportunity to construct power converters with higher efficiency and higher power density. The main purpose of this work is to design a three-phase AC-DC-AC converter using Silicon Carbide for Double Conversion UPS applications. The aim is to maximize efficiency and minimize volume and mass. The methodologies to size and choose the main hardware components are described in detail. Experimental results obtained with the prototype prove the high efficiency and high power density achievable with Silicon Carbide Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFETs).