New Active Snubber Boost PFC Converter for Efficiency Improvement in Home Appliances Applications

This paper proposes a new active snubber boost PFC converter to provide a zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) turn-on condition and reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise in home appliances and renewable energy applications, including solar or fuel cell electric systems. The proposed active snubber circuit enables a main boost switch of the boost-type PFC or grid converter to turn on under a ZVS condition and reduce the switching losses of the main boost switch. Moreover, for the purpose of a specialized intelligent power module (IPM) fabrication, the proposed boost circuit is designed to satisfy some design aspects such as space saving, low cost, and easy fabrication. Simulation and experimental results of a 2kW IPM boost-type PFC converter are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed active snubber boost circuit.