Compact dual-output inverter based on flying-capacitor: modelling, control, and prototype validation

A new DC/AC inverter with ability of supplying two AC loads, independently, based on flying-capacitor topology is proposed. Flying capacitor enables the converter to have three-level output voltages which results in high-quality output waveforms. Comparing to conventional flying capacitor inverter (FCI) for supplying two loads, the new inverter has lower numbers of semiconductor switches and flying capacitors, up to 25 and 50%, respectively. Comparing to recent works, proposed inverter provides better trade-off between number of components and independent control of loads. Three-phase topology of the proposed inverter consists of three parallel single-phase modules. The inverter can operate in both constant and variable output frequencies. A switched model along with an effective control strategy based on Karnauph Map is also derived for the proposed inverter. High performance of the inverter is verified with both simulation and experimental results. The proposed inverter can mostly be used in applications, such as motor drive, UPS systems, hybrid electric vehicles, and photovoltaic (PV) systems.