Conformation of Multilevel Current Source Converter Topologies Using the Duality Principle

This paper explores the issue of constructing multilevel current source converter (MCSC) topologies using the duality principle. Three circuit cells for MCSCs are derived from the applications of the duality on the three common leg circuit cells of multilevel voltage source converters (MVSCs). Based on the presented three cells, three families of MCSC topologies, which are also corresponding to three families of MVSCs, are constructed. Analytical results show that these derived MCSCs and their corresponding MVSCs present analogous features such as the ac side currents/voltages and inductor/capacitor currents/voltages, though they are not direct dual structures. Some experimental results are given to verify the presented MCSC structures.