A Reliable Nested Neutral-Point-Clamped (RNNPC) Converter

The nested neutral-point-clamped (NNPC) converter suffers from the shoot-through fault similar to other traditional multilevel power converters. To cope with this issue, this paper proposes a novel topology based on the split/coupled inductor concept called a reliable nested neutral-point-clamped (RNNPC) converter. Unlike some previous split/coupled inductor topologies that happening open-circuit fault will cause drastic damage to the converter due to disconnection of inductors' currents, the proposed RNNPC converter can handle this fault resiliently even if all switches are turned OFF simultaneously. Thus, the proposed converter is a highly reliable and robust structure. Higher output voltage/current gain, and lower output voltage/current distortion are other main merits of the RNNPC topology. Detail analysis along with simulation results are provided to verify the feasibility of the new topology.