Patent ID: 9397581
Filing Date: 2016-07-19
CPC Classification: H02M

Claim Text:
1. A power conversion apparatus for connection to a pair of terminals of an AC power source to supply an AC voltage to a load, comprising: a first bidirectional switch that includes a first switching element and a second switching element connected in series or in parallel; and a second bidirectional switch that includes a third switching element and a fourth switching element connected in series or in parallel, the second bidirectional switch being connected to the load, wherein a voltage period of the AC power source is divided into a first period in which the voltage of the AC power source is equal to or higher than a first reference voltage that is higher than zero, a second period in which the voltage of the AC power source is equal to or lower than a second reference voltage that is lower than zero, and a third period in which the voltage of the AC power source is between the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage; wherein in the first period, the second and third switching elements are switched ON, and the first and fourth switching elements are alternately switched ON/OFF; wherein in the second period, the first and fourth switching elements are switched ON, and the second and third switching elements are alternately switched ON/OFF; wherein in the third period, the first and second switching elements are switched ON, and the third and fourth switching elements are switched OFF; and wherein the voltage of the AC power source is stepped down to a predetermined AC voltage, and supplied to the load.