Cascaded Multilevel Converter Topology With Fewer Switching Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multilevel power converter circuits have complex configurations and a large number of components, necessitating a new topology that achieves the required number of levels with a simplified configuration and reduced component count.
Innovation Solution
A multilevel power converter circuit configuration featuring five DC voltage sources, eight unidirectional semiconductor switches, a bidirectional semiconductor switch, and two diodes, with complementary switches to prevent short-circuiting and asymmetrical outputs from multiple functional blocks connected in series to generate a large number of voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional cascade inverter topology is used, then the required number of voltage levels can be achieved, but the number of components and circuit complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter is divided into multiple identical functional modules, each capable of generating specific voltage levels. Each module contains a standardized set of switches and DC voltage sources, allowing the system to achieve high voltage levels through modular cascading rather than requiring a single complex circuit configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each functional module is designed to be universal and interchangeable, performing the same function of generating specific voltage levels. The modules can be cascaded in series to achieve different total voltage levels, making the system adaptable to various application requirements without redesigning the entire circuit.
2Reliability
If multilevel power converter is used, then harmonic content and reverse tension are reduced, but the circuit configuration becomes complex with many components
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multilevel conversion function is segmented across multiple simple functional modules. Each module contributes to the overall multilevel output by generating specific voltage steps, collectively achieving low harmonic content through the superposition of multiple level contributions rather than requiring a single complex modulation scheme.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates, without being limited thereto, to the field of power electronics and non-linear control, and in particular to a topology structure of a multilevel power converter of the type of a cascaded bridge.The present invention provides a new configuration of power converter comprising a functional block and is composed of a low number of devices; five sources of DC voltage, nine semiconductor switches, and two semiconductor diodes. Where switches S1, S1 and S2, S2 are devices complementary to each other. On the other hand, switch S3 corresponds to a bidirectional switch. The present invention, in addition, presents a plurality of functional blocks connected in series, each of said functional blocks having the configuration of the circuit.