Applications of an Auxiliary Resonant Commutated Pole Converter

Abstract

The Auxiliary Resonant Commutated Pole Converter (ARCP) utilizes an auxiliary resonance circuit to enable zero voltage turn on in the main circuit and maintain zero current turn off in the auxiliary circuit. The ARCP converter can therefore be designed with snubbers that are undersized for the power rating of the switches. Another advantage of the ARCP converter is that it can be driven by a PWM control source. This paper discusses some concepts that need consideration in order to operate an ARCP converter with undersized snubber circuits and standard PWM sources. It also discusses the need to coordinate the voltage supply and the load current for successful commutation. Test data is presented related to these issues.