Hybrid single-phase inverter with flying capacitor and reduced number of components

This paper proposes a single-phase four-level converter comprising one two-level leg and one flying capacitor three-level leg. The two arms are connected via coupled inductors, forming a single-phase inverter half-bridge. When compared to other four-level inverters, the proposed topology has just one flying capacitor, lower losses and harmonic distortion, and a smaller number of semiconductor devices, each one supporting the same blocking voltage. The paper presents the model of the converter, its modes of operation, as well as the PWM strategy used for its command. Simulation results are given and experimental results validate the theoretical study.