DESIGN & SIMULATION OF ACTIVE POWER FACTOR CONTROLLER USING BOOST CONVERTER

Currently extensive use of power electronic devices has made power management smart, flexible and efficient. However, the increase in the number of power electronic devices has also led to an increase in distortion and power pollution in the distribution networks due to the injection of current and voltage harmonics. This results in a reduction of power factor and negatively impacts electrical equipment. This paper discusses an approach for power factor improvement through an Active Power Factor Correction (APFC) technique, utilizing multiplier logic to achieve current wave shaping that allows the source current to follow sinusoidal voltage. The methodology includes THD reduction and improvement of power factor at the input side in the presence of nonlinear loads such as rectifiers and electronic ballasts. The design and simulation of a boost converter operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM) as a power factor correction controller are presented, along with a comprehensive study of the boost power factor controller. A simulation model was developed in MATLAB to analyze variations in THD and power factor, demonstrating noticeable improvements in power factor and harmonic distortion reduction.