A novel hybrid-clamped four-level converter

A novel hybrid-clamped four-level inverter topology is proposed in this paper. Only two active switches and a floating capacitor are required as clamping devices per phase leg. The DC-link of this topology is subdivided into three parts and the voltage balancing of DC-link capacitors and floating capacitors can be achieved by selecting proper redundant switching states. The operating principle and voltage balancing method of this converter are introduced in details. Simulation and experimental results are presented to confirm the validity of this topology.