A Novel 7-Level X-Boost Active Neutral Point Clamped Inverter

This paper proposes a new seven-level X-Boost Active Neutral Point Clamped (7LX-BANPC) converter for renewable energy applications. It is a hybrid configuration that is formed by connecting a conventional ANPC with novel X-switches to enable it to boost the voltage and produce seven voltage levels. The proposed topology is capable of producing 7 voltage levels with a lower number of both semiconductor switches and passive elements compared to existing 7-level inverters. The proposed topology requires only one dc-power supply to boost the voltage to 1.5 times the input dc-link voltage. It consists of eight switches and three capacitors. A unique, cross-coupled switching configuration is presented to achieve extra voltage boosting. The theory of operation for the proposed topology is presented. In addition, simulations and experimental results are presented which validate the operating principles of the proposed topology.