The Manhattan Configuration: a Differential Power Converter with Linear Scaling to N-levels

This paper proposes a multilevel power converter topology that processes less power than it outputs. It can be scaled to N-levels with linear component quantity and stress scaling and voltage balance is maintained for any voltage conversion ratio. It is composed of a set of series stacked capacitors where each additional capacitor defines an additional voltage level. Input voltage is applied across the entirety of the capacitor stack and the output can be taken at any node between capacitors. Capacitor voltage balance is maintained through any method of energy sharing between capacitors. The amount of power that needs to be transferred between capacitors to maintain voltage balance is less than the output power of the converter. Equations that describe this required power transfer are derived. An example implementation of a capacitive power transfer mechanism is shown. Functionality of the proposed topological framework is proven through high-fidelity simulation of an 8-level converter consisting of 8 series capacitors in both DC/DC and DC/AC modes of operation.