Design of a new high-frequency power converter for electrostatic precipitators

This paper proposes a new high-frequency single-phase power converter for using in electrostatic precipitators (ESP). Efficiency and performance of this electrostatic filter are improved using power electronic converters and a new high-frequency transformer structure. Using high-frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) makes it possible to reduce the size, weight, and voltage ripple. This system has modular topology, hence utilizing more module generates the higher output voltage. Unlike conventional systems including the step-up transformer and rectifier, it installs in the vicinity of ESP, so it overcomes the problem of installation distance. This proposed transformer makes the cooling strategy simpler than other conventional structures. By using this transformer, it is possible to design an integrated system with a unified cooling method. Experimental results also indicate that the frequency of the ripple of the output voltage is high enough to be eliminated by a small-size filter. That is more effective for decreasing the size, weight, and cost. The simulation and experiments were carried out for a prototype 4 kV/4 kW.