Facility power supply with power-factor correction

摘要

An embodiment of a power supply includes an input node, a converter stage, and an outlet. The input node is operable to receive an input AC signal having peak portions and non-peak portions. The converter stage is operable to generate a DC power signal from the input AC signal and to cause a first current to be drawn from the input node during at least the non-peak portions of the input AC signal. And the outlet is operable to carry the DC power signal. For example, such a power supply may be installed in a facility such as a residence, office building, or manufacturing plant, or the facility's existing power supply may be retrofitted, to provide one or more power outlets that each carry a respective power-factor-corrected (PFC) DC voltage. Because the outlet voltages are PFC voltages, the amount of wasted power dissipated in the facility power lines/wiring and in the main power lines from the power company may be significantly reduced, without requiring each piece of equipment (e.g., an appliance, machinery) that is wired/plugged into the outlets to have an onboard PFC. This savings in wasted power may provide a significant cost savings to both the facility owner (e.g., lower electric bill) and the power company (e.g., lower power-generation and grid costs), and the ability to use equipment lacking onboard PFCs may reduce the purchase price of the equipment.

主权项

1. A power supply, comprising:
a first input node configured to receive a first input AC signal having a first phase and having peak portions and non-peak portions; a second input node configured to receive a second input AC signal having a second phase and having peak and non-peak portions, the second phase being different from the first phase; a third input node configured to receive a third input AC signal having a third phase and having peak and non-peak portions, the third phase being different from the first and second phases; a converter stage including a transformer, coupled to the first, second, and third input nodes, and configured to generate a first DC power signal from the first, second, and third input AC signals, to galvanically isolate the first DC power signal from the first, second, and third input nodes, and to perform power-factor correction by causing a first current to be drawn from the first input node during the peak and the non-peak portions of the first input AC signal, a second current to be drawn from the second input node during the peak and the non-peak portions of the second AC signal, and a third current to be drawn from the third input node during the peak and non-peak portions of the third AC signal; and a first output node coupled to the converter stage and configured to carry the first DC power signal.