A simple active auxiliary commutation circuit for three-level PWM single-phase inverters

Abstract

This paper presents the analysis and design of a new low-loss auxiliary circuit for three-level pulsewidth-modulation single-phase full-bridge inverters which achieve soft switching at all semiconductor devices. The active auxiliary commutation circuit (AACC) is composed of an LC circuit and two bidirectional switches, where one auxiliary switch commutates under zero-voltage switching condition and the other under zero-current switching condition. The AACC dispenses with the use of auxiliary voltage sources. Low reactive energy is added to the converter, resulting in low RMS current stresses at the main switches and, consequently, higher efficiency is achieved. Auxiliary circuit design procedures and experimental results are presented to prove the operation principle.