AC–AC Hybrid Boost Switched-Capacitor Converter

Abstract

In this article, a hybrid boost switched-capacitor converter operating as an ac–ac solid-state autotransformer is presented. The topology integrates a basic inductive switching cell and a switched-capacitor ladder cell, performing a direct energy conversion with a high-gain output voltage. The theoretical analysis presents the main operational characteristics of the hybrid converter, including the voltage stresses across the devices, the equivalent average electric circuit model, and the calculation of current stresses considering the partial charging of the capacitors. A design methodology is described, focusing on the modulation technique and criteria for determining capacitors, semiconductor devices, inductor, and switching frequency. Validation was carried out based on simulation and experimental results obtained with a single-phase prototype with 55/220-V voltage conversion and 1-kVA rated power at 60 Hz. Additional tests verified the operation at different grid frequencies, loads (inductive and nonlinear), and with 14 different input–output connections.