The role of pfc energy storage inductor

What is power factor correction (PFC)?

Power Factor Correction (PFC) shapes the input current of the power supply to be in synchronization with the mains voltage, in order to maximize the real power drawn from the mains. In a perfect PFC circuit, the input current follows the input voltage as a pure resistor, without any input current harmonics.

What is the rate of energy storage in a Magnetic Inductor?

Thus, the power delivered to the inductor p = v *i is also zero, which means that the rate of energy storage is zero as well. Therefore, the energy is only stored inside the inductor before its current reaches its maximum steady-state value, Im. After the current becomes constant, the energy within the magnetic becomes constant as well.

What determines the power density of a PFC?

On the other hand, assuming a fixed energy store, in the optimized design, the maximum flux density and the winding factor of the core are both on the boundary of limitations; therefore the volume of the inductor, which dominates power density of a PFC, will be determined by the inductance.

How does a solar energy storage inductor work?

In this topology, the energy storage inductor is charged from two different directions which generates output AC current . This topology with two additional switching devices compared to topologies with four switching devices makes the grounding of both the grid and PV modules. Fig. 12.

How does an inductor work?

The inductor behaves like a load and stores energy to prevent ripples from producing excess current. It acts like a current supply when the ripple reduces the current value. In each case, the inductor prevents the ripples from influencing the regulated DC.

How does Linear Technology affect inductor energy storage?

While one inductor’s current is increasing, the other’s is decreasing. There is also a significant reduction in the required inductor energy storage (approximately 75%). The inductor’s volume, and therefore cost, are reduced as well. See Linear Technology’s Application Note 77 for complete details.