Four-bridge Multilevel Converters Based on Hybrid-clamped Techniques

In this paper, a four-bridge hybrid-clamped converter topology is proposed based on the analysis of existing multilevel hybrid-clamped techniques. The detailed description is given on the balancing principle of capacitors' voltages and control method of the four-bridge converter. The analysis shows that not only the cost of system is reduced quite a lot due to less active switches and capacitors used in this topology, but also the realization of the balance of capacitors' voltages is easier and more effective compared with that of existing topologies. The four-bridge hybrid-clamped topology is a good topology when both cost and performance are considered. Simulations and experimentations have been carried out and the capacitors' voltages can be balanced well

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