Single-stage single-switch isolated PFC converter with non-dissipative clamping

A new single-stage and single-switch isolated PFC converter with non-dissipative clamping is presented. The main advantage of the proposed circuit, which is derived from the flyback topology, is the exploitation of the transformer’s leakage inductance in order to obtain a higher power factor. Additionally, it provides galvanic isolation as well as non-dissipative clamping of the overvoltages across the switch. The proposed circuit contains a small number of additional passive components without additional switches, leading to less complexity and higher efficiency. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed topology, simulation and experimental tests on a prototype were performed, showing both a high power factor and a proper clamping of the overvoltages without degradation of the efficiency.