A new topology for multilevel current source inverter with reduced number of switches

In this paper, a new topology for multilevel current source inverter (CSI) is presented. The proposed topology employs reduced switches number to generate desired multilevel output current. The proposed topology uses (n + 7) / 2 switches and (n -1) / 2 current-sharing inductors for an n-level CSI. Two modulation methods are applied for the proposed topology. One method is fundamental frequency modulation method and the other is carrier phase-shifted sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) method. As simulation results using PSCAD/EMTDC will show, the proposed topology can generate the desired output current levels and current balance of the current-sharing inductors is completely provided in each control method.