Abstract
This paper proposes a topology using isolated, cascaded multilevel voltage source converters (VSCs) and employing two-winding magnetic elements for high-power applications. The proposed topology synthesizes 6 two-level, three-phase VSCs, so the power capability of the presented converter is six times the capability of each VSC module. The characteristics of the proposed topology are demonstrated through analyzing its current relationships, voltage relationships and power capability in detail. The power rating is equally shared among the VSC modules without the need for a sharing algorithm; thus, the converter operates as a single three-phase VSC. The comparative analysis with classical neutral-point clamped, flying capacitor and cascaded H-bridge exhibits the superior features of fewer insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), capacitor requirement and fewer diodes. To validate the theoretical performance of the proposed converter, it is simulated in a MATLAB/Simulink environment and the results are experimentally demonstrated using a laboratory prototype.
Highlights
Multilevel voltage source converters (VSCs) have become more attractive than traditional two-level VSCs, as the multilevel versions offer better-quality output voltage waveforms, less electromagnetic interference, lower voltage stress on the power semiconductor switches and lower common-mode voltage
The current research is mainly focused on three multilevel VSC topologies: neutral-point clamped (NPC) [5], flying capacitor (FC) [6,7] and cascaded H-bridge (CHB) [8,9]
This topology’s modular structure and its relatively few components means that the CHB VSC can reach the same number of voltage levels as the other VSCs with simpler assembly and maintenance
Summary
Multilevel voltage source converters (VSCs) have become more attractive than traditional two-level VSCs, as the multilevel versions offer better-quality output voltage waveforms, less electromagnetic interference, lower voltage stress on the power semiconductor switches and lower common-mode voltage. VSC provides isolated DC sources, so it is appropriate for use in renewable-energy systems [10] This topology’s modular structure and its relatively few components (compared to the NPC and FC topologies) means that the CHB VSC can reach the same number of voltage levels as the other VSCs with simpler assembly and maintenance. In Reference [18], another topology, the hexagram multilevel converter, was proposed; this topology combines 6 two-level converters using six inductors It shares many advantages of the CHB topology while using fewer switches and a smaller DC-link capacitor [19]. In response to the above concerns, this research is intended to develop a multilevel converter configuration that utilizes the traditional two-level, three-phase VSCs, along with two-winding magnetic elements, to generate many output voltage levels with relatively few DC sources.
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