Minimization of DC-link capacitance in power electronic converter systems

Recently, many research investigations have been devoted to improving the reliability of power electronic converter systems by minimizing DC-link capacitance, so that small capacitors of long lifetime can be used to replace electrolytic capacitors. This chapter gives a review of various techniques, including performance tradeoff, passive approach, and active approach. All of them have their merits and limitations. In particular, the increased circuit complexity might cause efficiency and performance degradation and extra reliability concern. One of the key objectives of this chapter has been to give avenues for further research on a method that can help minimize the use of DC-link capacitance without introducing additional drawbacks.