Active Filtering-Based Decoupling of Fluctuating Power in Single-Phase Converters
Keywords:
Active filtering, Harmonics, Power factor, Power quality, RipplesAbstract
Single-phase AC/DC and DC/AC converters are widely used in renewable energy systems, electric vehicle chargers, uninterruptible power supplies, and distributed generation applications. Despite their widespread adoption, these converters inherently experience low-frequency power pulsations caused by the double-line-frequency ripple power arising from the instantaneous mismatch between the AC-side and DC-side power. Conventionally, this ripple is mitigated by incorporating bulky electrolytic capacitors in the DC-link. Although passive filtering effectively suppresses voltage fluctuations, it increases the converter size, reduces power density, and limits system reliability due to the relatively short lifetime and ageing characteristics of electrolytic capacitors. To address these limitations, active power decoupling (APD) techniques have gained significant attention as an effective alternative. APD diverts the low-frequency ripple power to auxiliary energy storage elements, thereby reducing the dependence on large DC-link capacitors and improving the overall performance, efficiency, and lifetime of the converter. However, most existing APD topologies require additional passive components, such as inductors or large film capacitors, together with auxiliary switching devices. These extra components increase circuit complexity, component count, installation space, and overall system cost, limiting their practical implementation in compact power electronic systems. The proposed approach employs a symmetrical half-bridge active power decoupling circuit that provides effective ripple power compensation with a reduced number of components. The topology utilizes only two low-value capacitors and two active switches to absorb and regulate the fluctuating power, eliminating the need for bulky energy storage elements. As a result, the proposed design offers a compact, cost-effective, and reliable solution with improved power density, enhanced efficiency, and extended converter lifetime, making it a promising choice for next-generation single-phase power conversion applications.
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