Dual Isolated Multilevel Modular Inverter with Novel Switching and Voltage Stress Suppression

Abstract

This paper presents an improved structure for the submodules (SMs) in the three-phase modular inverter (TPMI) based on a dual isolated SEPIC/CUK (DISC) converter for large-scale photovoltaic (LSPV) plants. The DISC SMs can offer several advantages, including increased efficiency, reduced passive elements, and galvanic isolation via compact-size high-frequency transformers. The SMs can also provide a wide range for the output voltage and draw continuous currents with low ripples from the input source. However, the high dv/dt value across the switches during hard switching can cause current oscillations and voltage spikes, which will impair the operation of complementary switches and affect the safety of the power devices. For this challenge, the DISC SM is improved by replacing the output switches with diodes and adding a bypassing switch. In comparison to the conventional DISC SM, the improved DISC SM reduces the switch’s voltage spikes; hence, it can increase the overall efficiency. Thus, the DISC SM’s will be able to suppress voltage spikes in the TPMI inverter and therefore the total reliability will be improved. The work will detail the analysis of the proposed system along with design guidelines. Additionally, the simulation and experimental results to validate the operation of proposed DISC SM are presented using MATLAB/SIMULINK as well as a scaled-down experimental prototype.