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