Conversores trifásicos multiníveis fonte de corrente com reduzido número de dispositivos semicondutores e/ou indutores.

Abstract

This work aims to propose, characterize, analyze, and implement new threephase and multilevel topologies of current source converters, which can be applied, for example, in renewable energy systems. Three groups of converters with fewer components are proposed that operate similarly to conventional topologies. The first group consists of asymmetric topologies with a shared DC-link, connectable in parallel or series, which remove the set of upper or lower switches from the converter. The second group covers conventional and asymmetric topologies with fewer diodes in series with the switches. These topologies aim to reduce costs and make current source converters more accessible. In addition, they are completely bidirectional, operating both as inverters and rectifiers. The third group incorporates the double DC-link converter, replacing half the switches with diodes, reducing losses and costs, but operates only as a rectifier. All topologies, conventional and proposed, are analyzed regarding operation and vector modulation strategy. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing these topologies, and a comparative analysis with conventional topologies in terms of harmonic distortion, semiconductor losses, and implementation costs evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of each configuration. Overall, the results of this research have the potential to drive the advancement and adoption of current source converters in power electronics applications.