A novel cost-effective two-level inverter with combined use of thyristors and IGBTs

In this paper, a novel topology of two-level voltage-type inverter is proposed. The proposed inverter has three bridge arms while each bridge is made up of 2 thyristors, 1 IGBT and 4 diodes. Thyristors complete the phase positioning of the inverter, IGBT completes the modulation of different modulation modes such as SPWM, SVPWM, and SHPWM, and the diodes complete the commutation of the bridge arms. Compared to the traditional voltage-type inverter with 6 IGBTs, the proposed voltage-type inverter using 3 IGBTs can achieve the same function with highly reduced cost. The principle of the proposed two-level inverter is explained in detail. The simulation and experiment results demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed inverter-type inverter.

I. Introduction

In recent years, the voltage-type inverters have been widely applied in the AC-DC variable frequency speed regulation system, induction heating, electric power system and other related field. However, with the increasing use of system power electronic devices, the voltage grade, stability, and cost problems of the inverters cannot be ignored. Accordingly, the domestic and foreign scholars have conducted a lot of research work [1]–[3]. In [4] and [5], the research on the multilevel inverter structure and intelligent control algorithm have been investigated, which improves the system voltage level and performance.