Energy Channelling Single Stage Power Converter

A method of converting AC input into DC output power, comprising:

• receiving AC input power using an input circuit having one or more power switching device;
• using a first output circuit to receive power from the input circuit and provide a first output comprising a DC voltage with a first AC voltage ripple or a DC current with a first AC current ripple;
• using a second output circuit to receive power from the input circuit and provide a second output comprising a second AC voltage ripple or a second AC current ripple, the second output circuit having one or more power switching device;
• controlling the power switching devices of the input circuit and the second output circuit so that the first output circuit and the second output circuit alternatively rectify output current only once during one switching cycle of the power switching devices;
• wherein the first output and the second output are connected together (i) in series, such that the first AC voltage ripple is substantially cancelled, or (ii) in parallel, such that the first AC current ripple is substantially cancelled;
• wherein substantially ripple-free DC output power is provided.

A controller for a power converter that converts AC input into DC output power, wherein the power converter comprises:

• an input circuit that receives AC input power, the input circuit having one or more power switching device;
• a first output circuit that receives power from the input circuit and provides a first output comprising a DC voltage with a first AC voltage ripple or a DC current with a first AC current ripple;
• a second output circuit that receives power from the input circuit and provides a second output comprising a second AC voltage ripple or a second AC current ripple, the second output circuit having one or more power switching device;
• wherein the controller comprises:
• a circuit that receives a sensed low frequency ripple of the first output and produces a reference signal having a ripple opposite in phase to the low frequency ripple;
• a comparator that uses the reference signal to produce a switching signal for the one or more switches of the second output circuit;
• a circuit that produces a switching signal for the one or more power switching device of the input circuit, such that timing of switching of the power switching devices of the input circuit and the second output circuit result in the first output circuit and the second output circuit alternatively rectifying output current only once during one switching cycle of the power switching devices;
• wherein substantially ripple-free DC output power is provided when the first output and the second output are connected together (i) in series, such that the first AC voltage ripple is substantially cancelled, or (ii) in parallel, such that the first AC current ripple is substantially cancelled.