This invention teaches power factor corrected 3-phase ac-dc power
converters in which the duty-cycles are determined by "natural
modulation", that is, they are forced by a fixed algorithm that has been
optimized for efficient switching. The duty-cycles do not regulate the
output voltage but they do force the input currents to be proportionately
correct for good power factor. A feedback control circuit modulates the
effective turns-ratio of a variable dc-dc transformer to regulate the
output voltage. For a buck converter, the most efficient duty-cycle is
100%, that is, the buck switch is always on. For a boost converter, the
most efficient duty-cycle is 0%, that is, the boost switch is always off.
"100% duty-cycle" as defined for a buck 3-phase ac input means that there
is no off-time. The switch duty-cycles are as follows: The duty-cycle for
the phase with the highest voltage magnitude (the dominant phase) is
100%, and sum of the duty-cycles of the other two phases equals 100%. "0%
duty-cycle" as defined for a boost 3-phase ac input means that the input
is never short circuited line to line. The duty-cycle for the switch for
the phase with the highest voltage magnitude (the dominant phase) is 0%,
and switches of the other two phases modulate to control their respective
input currents.