A Modular Multi-level Converter (M2LC) based on Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) technology

This paper proposes a new Modular Multi-level Converter (M2LC) topology, which is based on an Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) technology. The modified M2LC topology employs an IPT system to control the capacitor voltage of each module, thereby decoupling the capacitor voltage balancing control from the load current control. The IPT system maintains the capacitor voltages within a narrow band around a nominal value, simplifies the control algorithm and offers new advantages, such as operation at low output frequency, implementation of simple control schemes and reduced energy requirements over the existing topology. The concept is validated using simulations for a single-phase three-level M2LC and compared with the existing topology to demonstrate the performance improvements associated with the modified topology.