Zero voltage switching Dual Neutral Point Clamped dc-dc converter

This work proposes a novel dc-dc insulated converter based on a dual Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) switching network configuration employing floating capacitors. The energy stored on the transformers magnetizing inductances is used to achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) commutations under a wide load variation range. The operation of the converter is presented based on a simple phase-shift modulation pattern. The theoretical analysis of the soft commutation mechanisms are analyzed. It is shown that the proposed converter is a viable solution for applications requiring high input dc-link voltage, such as high power electric vehicle battery chargers. Finally, experimental results from a laboratory prototype are presented.