Two new impedance source network topologies for inverter applications

In the last decade, the impedance source networks have been vastly used in electrical power conversion such as in electric vehicles, industrial machines, medical systems and avionics, with considerable efficiency improvements. In this study, two new impedance source network topologies for inverter applications have been designed and tested. The first one is a one-cell switched inductor (SL), the second is a two-cell switched inductor (X-SL) combined with the classical Z-source inverter (ZSI). This novel combination allows the switched inductor to store the unused source energy in the interval when the source separates from the ZSI network during the shoot-through zero state. The design is generalised by adding multiple branches of series inductors and diodes which further improve the circuit performance. The National Instrument Multisim programme is used for the simulations of the new topologies. Both of the proposed topologies, SL combined with classical ZSI (SL&ZSI) and X-SL combined with classical ZSI (X-SL&ZSI), are tested with specific inductance and capacitance values. Major improvements are observed in the boost factor and the elimination of the start-up inrush current for both topologies, compared to the classical ZSI scheme. Furthermore, in both topologies, a significant reduction in the capacitor stress levels is obtained.