An Improved $Z$-Source Inverter

This paper proposes an improved
$Z$
-source inverter topology. Compared to previous
$Z$
-source inverter topology, it can reduce the
$Z$
-source capacitor voltage stress greatly, and has an inherent limitation to inrush current. The control strategy is exactly the same as the previous one, so all existing control strategies can be used directly. Soft-start strategy is also proposed to avoid the inrush current and resonance between the
$Z$
-capacitors and the
$Z$
-inductors. Comparison between the proposed and previous topologies is also presented. Analysis, simulation, and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the new features of the improved topology.