Abstract
This paper presents a novel single-phase to single-phase multiconverter topology that can be applied in multiple areas. The proposed multiconverter is designed with only two soft power semiconductor switches (e.g. MOSFET or IGBT), four power diodes and a center-tapped transformer which makes it more compact in size, decrease the gate driving complexity, reduce the total equipment costs and enhance the energy conversion efficiency with minimized losses. Furthermore, the utilization of the transformer in the proposed converter mitigates the multiple AC source requirement problems and provides galvanic isolation which increases the reliability of the converter. Moreover, the presented multiconverter is applicable in various areas including electric traction as a speed controller, induction heating, AC and DC variable power supplies, etc. which signify the competence of this converter in energy conversion appliances. However, a comparative analysis of the offered converter with the existing AC-AC converters is also introduced in this paper with respect to the number of components, equipment costs, gate driving complexity, and application areas. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed multiconverter, the simulation-based results carried out in MATLAB/Simulink are presented and analyzed in this paper with proper descriptions. Finally, a scaled-down prototype is developed in the laboratory to validate the simulation results and the feasibility of the proposed multiconverter.
Highlights
The electrical energy generated by the power converters from the renewable energy sources is integrated into the utility grid at a constant frequency which is later distributed to the consumer with the standard value of voltage and frequency
In some applications, the value of the standard AC voltage of the grid needs to be controlled which is done by the AC voltage controllers i.e. AC voltage regulators [8]–[10]
The rectified grid voltage is controlled by the controlled rectifier to produce a variable DC power supply
Summary
The electrical energy generated by the power converters from the renewable energy sources is integrated into the utility grid at a constant frequency which is later distributed to the consumer with the standard value of voltage and frequency. The bridge type topology proposed in [22] which is composed with the combination of two controlled bridge rectifiers interconnected back to back with the load demands higher number of switches that, raises the total equipment costs, increases the overall size and weight of the system, and even the complexity of the gate driving circuits. In order to overcome these problems, recently, a new matrix converter topology was offered in [35] with reduced number of switches which is capable of changing the voltage and frequency at a time Still, it requires six switches causing higher conduction and switching losses and does not offer galvanic isolation resulting in decreased reliability of the equipment.
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