Embedded EZ-Source Inverters

Abstract

Z-source inverters are recent topological options proposed for buck-boost energy conversion with a number of possible voltage- and current-type circuitries already reported in the literature. Comparing them, a common feature noted is their inclusion of an LC impedance network, placed between the dc input source and inverter bridge. This impedance network allows the output end of a voltage-type Z-source inverter to be shorted for voltage boosting without causing a large current flow and the terminal current of a current-type inverter to be interrupted for current boosting without introducing overvoltage oscillations to the system. Therefore, Z-source inverters are, in effect, safer and less complex and can be implemented using only passive elements with no additional active semiconductor needed. Believing in the prospects of Z-source inverters, this paper contributes by introducing a new family of embedded EZ-source inverters that can produce the same gain as the Z-source inverters but with smoother and smaller current/voltage maintained across the dc input source and within the impedance network. These latter features are attained without using any additional passive filter, which surely is a favorable advantage, since an added filter will raise the system cost and, at times, can complicate the dynamic tuning and resonant consideration of the inverters. The same embedded concept can also be used for designing a full range of voltage- and current-type inverters with each of them tested experimentally using a number of scaled-down laboratory prototypes.