how good are PFC modules?

[coppercone2]

So there is alot of insanity that comes around with making power supplies. But you can buy PFC modules from a few manufacturers that supply 340VDC, just add a capacitor and possibly some filtering. After that you can use DC/DC converter modules to get whatever you want.

For a project like induction heater, or maybe something else, are these a good choice ? They come with rectifier etc.

[jbb]

Not a product, but you can buy PFC stage development boards from some companies (eg TI, maybe Renesas, Power Integrations, NXP) which might suit your purpose.

In terms of products... errr... I think Vicor does one? https://www.vicorpower.com/ac-dc/input-modules/ac-harmonic-attenuator-module

[jonpaul]

Copper: great question:

If the project is a one off, personal use or for lab, the 0.65 PF of a classic FW rect><bus lytic is fine.

In general adding the PFC reduces efficiency, increases size and cost.

See the IEC, CISPR and other stds on PF classes, exceptions, and requirements in EU, similar power quality regs exist  in UK, USA.


Finally a PFC is required for commercial products esp if shipped out of your country.




A dedicated PFC module is unusual, and at multi KW power I have not seen.

Boost PFC is very easy to build,   boost switch, inductor, bus cap, control IC.

it is usually included in the main SMPS as front end.

Bon chance


Jon

[coppercone2]

lambda has 1.5kW module. I mean it does not seem like the worst addon to throw in?
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/TDK-Lambda/PF1500B-360?qs=Y0Uzf4wQF3l8k1ywHHJjjw%3D%3D

Its not unbearable for a home project.

I was thinking like a sample heater (like something you use to purge vacuum tubes). It has enough power for that I think.
Keep in mind it rectifies. So it saves you at least 10$ for a good rectifier. I think the power on circuit is really nice too.

[NiHaoMike]

A dedicated PFC module is unusual, and at multi KW power I have not seen.

Most EV chargers are just that, plus CC/CV operation and some sort of control interface.

[najrao]

You might want to see https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/feed-high-power-psu-from-limited-mains/, earlier this month. I have used a 3000W telecom rectifier solely to feed 400Vdc to a high power bench supply. Some issues remain, any switch or fuse in the dc link are troublesome.
My purpose was to bring down the ac input current to stay below 16A @230V. The bench job had no PFC but 2800uF on its 300V dc bus!

[exmadscientist]

Be careful with the protection, or lack thereof, on these modules. We were using a rather expensive Artesyn module in the lab to get ~340VDC and found it did not like any kind of abuse out of the ordinary. Which, of course, is the sort of thing that happens all the time in early-stage lab work. This is unfortunate when the module's response is instant death 

[aliarifat794]

PFC modules can save you time and effort by providing a pre-built solution.  Look for modules with high-efficiency ratings to minimize energy waste and heat generation. These articles regarding PFC can be helpful for you:
https://www.ti.com/seclit/ml/slup390/slup390.pdf?ts=1636232123558&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Ftraining.ti.com%252F
https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2015/12/power-factor-measurement.html

[coppercone2]

How are these things with EMI btw?

I tend to go with the biggest overrated EMI filter for my DIY projects in an effort to prevent interference, you get enough of it from crappy chinese commercial products. I always use a grounded steel box if I can.