Selection of resonant circuit elements for the ARCP inverter

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is optimal value selection for L, C_R resonant tank elements for the auxiliary resonant commutated pole inverter - ARCP. The ARCP inverter enables zero-voltage-switching for the main transistors and zero-current switching for the auxiliary devices. Therefore this type of inverter has a very good efficiency and is preferred to use for high power applications. Clear design procedure that enables optimal selection of the resonant tank elements cannot be found in the literature. Two design methods: based on energy circulating in the resonant circuit minimization and based on turn-off energy minimization are discussed. The turn-off and ESR energy loss have been mathematically described. The computational result shows major disadvantages of design method that recommends large C_R selection. Derived mathematical equations make it possible to precisely compute L, C_R values that minimize energy loss and explain some relations that have been known only from experimental results in the past. Proposed design method makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the ARCP resonant inverter.