Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

3-2019

Publisher

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

Source Publication

IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics

Source ISSN

2168-6777

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1109/JESTPE.2018.2834367

Abstract

A novel fault-tolerant three-level power converter topology, named advanced three-level active T-Type (A3L-ATT) converter, is introduced to increase the reliability of multilevel power converters used in safety-critical applications. This new fault-tolerant multilevel power converter is derived from the conventional T-Type converter topology. The topology has significantly improved the fault-tolerant capability under any open circuit or certain short-circuit faults in the semiconductor devices. In addition, under healthy condition, the redundant phase leg can be utilized to share overload current with other main legs, which enhances the overload capability of the converter. The conduction losses in the original outer devices can be reduced by sharing the load current with the redundant leg. Moreover, unlike other existing fault-tolerant power converters in the literature, full output voltages can be always obtained in this proposed A3L-ATT converter during fault-tolerant operation. A 13.5-kW ATT-A3L converter prototype was developed and constructed using silicon carbide MOSFETs. Simulation and experimental results were obtained to substantiate the theoretical claims of this new fault-tolerant power converter.

Comments

Accepted version. IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics, Vol. 7, No. 1 (March 2019): 446-457. DOI. © 2019 Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Used with permission.

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