A Generalized Interleaved Approach Feasible to Static Synchronous Compensator Applications

Abstract

This work investigates a generalized cascaded full-bridge (GCF) concept, which uses a full-bridge converter as a basic submodule, combined with the interleaving and cascading techniques. When compared with the traditional cascaded full-bridge (CFB) converter, the GCF topologies present the advantages of reduced current and voltage stresses on the semiconductors, and flexible design. Thereby, the resulting structures become an alternative solution for high-power applications involving high current and high voltage levels. The generalized analysis involving design guidelines for the synthesis of each topology, the system model, and possible modulation strategies are described in detail. A comparative study with the CFB-based topologies shows that the introduced structures are capable of achieving improved performance in terms of reduced losses in the power semiconductors and lower device count. A small-scale laboratory prototype of a static synchronous compensator rated at 2.2 kVA/311 V is implemented to validate the design assumptions considering the steady-state and transient performances.