Topology and Modulation Scheme for Three-Phase Three-Level Modified Z-Source Neutral-Point-Clamped Inverter

This paper presents the topology and modulation technique of a three-phase three-level modified Z-source neutral-point-clamped (MZS-NPC) inverter, which combines a modified Z-source impedance network and a three-phase three-level NPC inverter. The boost factor of the proposed MZS-NPC inverter is twice as high as the three existing representative topologies combing an impedance network with a three-level NPC inverter. A modulation scheme for the proposed topology, based on a maximum boost control method, is designed to achieve the maximum voltage gain with simple implementation and to balance the dc-link neutral-point voltage. A closed-loop control of the ac load voltage in the fuel-cell or photovoltaic applications based on the proposed inverter is realized, in order to supply a desired voltage to the critical load in islanding mode of a microgrid. The boosting ability and operation validity of the proposed topology and modulation technique are demonstrated with simulation and experimental results.