A single‐phase q‐source AC‐AC converter with continuous input current, safe commutation feature, and reduced bidirectional switch counts

Abstract

AbstractThis paper proposes a single‐phase q‐source AC‐AC converter with a wide and flexible voltage gain. The converter only incorporates two bidirectional power switches. This new topology has many bold features like continuous input current, non‐inverting boost, and inverting buck modes. The high voltage gain is achieved by utilizing a coupled inductor in the converter. The converter gain is increased by the turns ratio of the coupled inductor proportionately. The proposed q‐source comprises one input inductor, one coupled inductor, and one capacitor, which are less than other competitors. In order to reduce the voltage and current stresses on power semiconductors, a safe commutation strategy for the converter is also introduced that eliminates snubber circuits. The input and output filters are no longer required due to the proposed converter specifications. So the volume and cost of the converter are decreased significantly. The achieved efficiency equals 94.5% due to utilizing the proposed optimized topology and switching strategy. In this paper, the operating principle of the converter is presented in detail. An experimental prototype has been designed to examine the performance of the suggested converter. Results confirm the theory and operation of the proposed topology.