AC-to-DC voltage converter

The invention relates to electrical engineering, and more particularly to AC-to-DC voltage converters, and can be used in secondary power supply systems for power factor correction, conversion, and DC output voltage regulation.

AC voltage regulators are known to directly connect the load via rectifier diodes and a smoothing capacitive filter [US Pat. No. 6,282,109 b1 28.08.2001].

The disadvantage of known AC voltage regulators is the absence of galvanic isolation between the source of input sinusoidal voltage and constant output voltage, as well as separate control of switches connected to the AC voltage circuit, which complicates the control circuit.

The most close in technical essence to the proposed device a regulator of alternating sinusoidal voltage into a constant output voltage, comprising a choke winding connected via counter-series connected controlled switches to terminals of a source of alternating sinusoidal voltage, rectifier diodes connected by anodes to output terminals of counter-series connected controlled switches, the cathodes of which are connected to the capacitive filter and load [FIG. 1 US Pat. No. 6,282,109 b1 28.08.2001].

The disadvantages of this regulator are that there is no galvanic isolation of the input and output circuits of the regulator, as well as separate switch control, which complicates the switch control device.

It is an object of the invention to form a constant output voltage from an alternating input voltage, implement galvanic isolation between input and output circuits, combine the control circuits of the counter-series connected controlled switches, improve the performance of the power factor corrector, simplify the control circuit.

This object is achieved by the fact that in the AC voltage regulator, a secondary winding is introduced to the primary winding of the choke connected in series with the AC voltage sources and the counter-series connected controlled switches, which is connected through the rectifier diodes to the capacitive filter and the load, and the control electrodes of the counter-series connected controlled switches are combined and the common electrode are connected to the control device.

The proposed AC-to-DC voltage converter allows, in comparison with the known device, allows to implement the electrical isolation of the output direct voltage from the alternating input voltage, as well as simplify the control of the counter-series connected switch 3 by combining the control electrodes to a common point.

1. Direct conversion of AC voltage to DC voltage without using a bridge rectifier.  

2. Transfer of energy to the load during the entire period of AC voltage to DC voltage conversion, unlike the flyback converter.  

3. Use of only one magnetic element.  

4. Improved performance of power factor correctors.

5.Control of two counter-serial AC switches by one control controller

Industries where the invention can be useful?

The power supplies of the proposed types are designed for high-efficiency power supply of the following electronic equipment: - LED lighting equipment - Equipment for managing the fuel and energy complex; - industrial equipment; - Equipment for monitoring the production process; - medical equipment; - transport equipment designed for modern railway infrastructure and electric vehicle infrastructure; - communication and data processing equipment; - Automatic diagnostic and control tools; - Equipment for testing semiconductor devices; - network equipment; - equipment for maintenance of the power grid; - robotics; - aerospace engineering - computer equipment for various purposes, - consumer electronics.

An estimate of the total addressable market?

The market size of AC and DC power supplies increased from USD 20.86 billion in 2024 to USD 22.43 billion in 2025. The average annual growth rate is expected to be 7.31%, and the market size is projected to reach USD 31.86 billion by 2030.

Potential Customers/End Users. Who might benefit?

The main potential customers and end users of AC-DC voltage converters (rectifiers) are electronics manufacturers, system integrators, and service companies in various industries. Below is a detailed market structure divided into segments.1. Consumer electronics and household appliances. This is the most popular market segment in terms of order volume.Gadget manufacturers: smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches (external chargers and adapters).Home appliance manufacturers: refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, and air conditioners (built-in power supplies for control boards and inverter motors).Multimedia and TV: televisions, audio systems, and game consoles.2. Industrial automation and mechanical engineering. This segment values reliability, interference resistance, and durability.Control cabinet manufacturers: developers of industrial automation systems (ICS).Equipment manufacturers: CNC machines, conveyor lines, and industrial robots.Energy sector: manufacturers of electricity meters and relay protection and automation systems (RPA).3. Telecommunications and IT infrastructure. This segment requires high-efficiency AC-DC converters with high power output.Data centers (DC): server equipment and data storage systems (DSS).Communication operators: cellular base stations, routers, switches, and 5G towers.Infrastructure providers: manufacturers of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).4. Medical equipment. This is a specific segment that requires strict safety certification and galvanic isolation (e.g., IEC 60601-1).Diagnostic equipment: MRI, CT, ultrasound, and X-ray systems.Life-support equipment: ventilators, dialysis machines, and defibrillators.Laboratory equipment: centrifuges, blood analyzers, and chromatographs.5. Transportation and infrastructure. Electric vehicles (EV): manufacturers of charging stations for electric vehicles (fast DC chargers require powerful AC-DC modules), as well as onboard chargers (OBC) for the vehicles themselves.Rail transport: signaling, lighting, and power systems inside trains.Aviation and space: onboard power systems (require 400 Hz frequency converters to DC).6. LED lighting (LED)Lamp manufacturers: outdoor, industrial, and office LED systems (AC-DC converters act as LED drivers with current or voltage stabilization).