An Original Hybrid Multilevel DC-AC Converter Using Single-Double Source Unit for Medium Voltage Applications: Hardware Implementation and Investigation

Abstract

In this article, an original hybrid multilevel DC-AC converter configurations are proposed by using single-double source unit for medium voltage applications. The proposed topologies are derived by hybridization of single and double source units with polarity changer and cascaded with full-bridge converter for medium and high voltage applications. Two different hybrid topologies presented and each topology configured for both symmetric and asymmetric method. The proposed hybrid topologies compared with the conventional cascaded H-bridge converter (CHB), and the best topologies recommended for medium voltage applications. The comparison in terms of the number of switches, gate driver circuits, maximum blocking voltage by switches and total peak inverse voltages of switches presented. The proposed topologies require a small installation area and low cost. The validity of the proposed hybrid converter structures is verified by simulation using MATLAB/Simulink and hardware results. The simulation and hardware results show a good agreement with the theoretical approach.