Design and Validation of a SiC-Based Single-to-Three-Phase Converter for Low-Voltage Distribution Systems

Abstract

In areas such as remote, rural, and mountainous regions, supplying low-voltage three-phase power has traditionally required distribution line extension and transformer installation. However, these areas often yield low electricity revenues, making cost recovery difficult for utilities. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a Single-to-Three-Phase Converter (STPC) capable of converting single-phase low-voltage input into three-phase output for use in low-voltage distribution systems. The STPC topology employs a single-phase half-bridge AC–DC stage and a three-phase full-bridge inverter stage using SiC-MOSFETs. To validate the system, simulations and experiments were conducted under various load conditions, including unbalanced, nonlinear, and motor loads. The results show that STPC maintains output stability while minimizing impact on the existing grid. The findings demonstrate STPC’s feasibility as an alternative to conventional line extension and transformer installation, with potential for application in grid-forming and low-voltage distribution current (LVDC) systems.