Power Factor Improvement Using Single Phase Bridgeless Cuk Converter Topology Based on Fuzzy Logic Control

This paper deals with a new Cuk Topology for Power Factor Correction (PFC). Most of the front-end PFC converters are implemented using diode bridge and this results in the lower efficiency due to significant losses with reduced power factor. This new Cuk converter is a bridgeless Cuk PFC converter with two semiconductors switches. The current flow path in converter during each interval of the switching cycle reduces the conduction losses compared to the conventional Cuk PFC Rectifier. The converter also offers natural protection against inrush current occurring at start-up, lower input current ripple, and less Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). It has both continuous input and output currents with a reduced current ripple. Hence it is mostly preferred compared to the other PFC topologies like boost, and buck-boost. It uses the simple control strategy for controlling the power factor and offers zero current turn ON and turn OFF for power switches. It is also made to work in the Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM) to achieve almost a unity power factor and low distortions in the input current. To observe the performance of this converter, a model based on the Cuk topology has been designed and developed by using MATLAB/ SIMULINK software and implemented with Proportional-Integral (PI) and Fuzzy logic controller. The simulations are demonstrated in order to validate the effectiveness of the controllers in power factor improvement.