Three-level Z-source hybrid direct AC-AC power converter topology

• Main Author: Effah, Francis Boafo
• Published: University of Nottingham 2014
• Subjects: 621.31; TK7800 Electronics
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.632438

Voltage source inverter (VSI) is the traditional power converter used to provide variable voltage and frequency from a fixed voltage supply for adjustable speed drive and many other applications. However, the maximum ac output voltage that can be synthesized by a VSI is limited to the available dc-link voltage. With its unique structure, the Z-source inverter can utilise shoot-through states to boost the output voltage and provides an attractive single-stage dc-ac conversion that is able to buck and boost the voltage. For applications with a variable input voltage, this inverter is a very competitive topology. The same concept can equally be extended to the two-stage matrix converter, where a single Z-source network is inserted in its virtual dc-link. The topology formed is, thus, quite straightforward. Its modulation is, however, non-trivial if advantages like voltage buck-boost flexibility, minimum commutation count, ease of implementation, and sinusoidal input and output quantities are to be attained simultaneously. This thesis presents two novel space vector modulation methods for controlling a three-level Z-source neutral point clamped VSI to enable the use of a boost function. The second of the two space vector modulation methods is then adopted and applied to a three-level, two-stage matrix converter with a Z-source network inserted in its virtual dc-link to increase the voltage transfer ratio beyond the intrinsic 86.6\% limit. Simulation results are supported by experimental verification from two laboratory prototype converters.