Hybrid Multilevel Converters: Unified Analysis and Design Considerations

The concept of hybrid multilevel converters has been generalized for different arrangements of direct-current voltage levels, modulation strategies, topologies of series-connected cells, and/or semiconductor technologies to optimize the power processing of the overall system. Therefore, a given number of levels can be synthesized by several multilevel configurations, significantly increasing flexibility and complexity in the design of hybrid multilevel converters. However, a generalized design methodology to define the main parameters of these topologies for distinct design criteria has not yet been presented. To overcome this lack, this paper presents a comparative analysis among various hybrid multilevel topologies, and it proposes some design considerations for distinct applications. Consequently, this paper constitutes a useful basis for defining an adequate hybrid arrangement for any application