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T-Type Multilevel Converter Topologies: A Comprehensive Review

  • Review Article - Electrical Engineering
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Abstract

Renewable energy systems integration prefers DC–AC converters of high efficiency, low harmonic injection and small size. Multilevel converter (MLC) is preferred compared to two-level converter thanks to its low harmonic injection, even at low switching frequency values, and accepting high power as well as voltage levels. Among reduced switching devices count MLCs is the T-type topology. This article introduces a review of the different advanced topologies of T-type MLC in comparison with the conventional neutral point clamped converters. The operation of each topology, the design consideration and the performance in low-voltage applications such as AC drive systems, grid-tie integration of renewable energy and power train drive applications are discussed. In addition, the design considerations using enhanced semiconductor switches are elaborated. Different studies regarding MLCs—like common-mode voltage elimination or reduction, open-switch fault diagnosis, open- as well as short-circuit fault tolerance, and DC link capacitor voltage balancing for T-type topologies—are illustrated. Finally, recommendations for future work research directions are highlighted.

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Abbreviations

MLC:

Multilevel converter

2L:

Two-level

3L :

Three-level

5L:

Five-level

VSC:

Voltage source converter

VSI:

Voltage source inverter

MV:

Medium voltage

PV:

Photovoltaic

MPPT:

Maximum power point tracking

NPC:

Neutral point clamped

FCC:

Flying capacitor converter

CHB:

Cascaded H-bridge

DC:

Direct current

AC :

Alternating current

FACTS:

Flexible AC transmission system

SVC:

Static VAR compensator

EMI:

Electromagnetic interference

IGBT:

Isolated gate bipolar junction transistor

MOSFET:

Metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor

MPC:

Model predictive control

CMV:

Common-mode voltage

CMVE:

Common-mode voltage elimination

PWM:

Pulse width modulation

SHEPWM:

Selective harmonic elimination PWM

Y-connected:

Star connected

SVPWM:

Space vector PWM

THD:

Total harmonic distortion

PMSM:

Permanent magnet synchronous machine

ANPC:

Active neutral point clamped

PCB:

Printed circuit board

SiC:

Silicon carbide

Si:

Silicon

ZSI:

Z-source inverter

ST:

Shoot-through

NP:

Neutral point

CB-PWM:

Carrier-based PWM

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the support provided by the Center of Energy and Geo-Processing (CeGP), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, through the funded Project No. GTEC1701.

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  1. Electrical Engineering Department, King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    A. Salem & M. A. Abido

  2. Electrical Power and Machines Department, Faculty of Engineering, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt

    A. Salem

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Salem, A., Abido, M.A. T-Type Multilevel Converter Topologies: A Comprehensive Review. Arab J Sci Eng 44, 1713–1735 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-018-3506-6

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