Topology and Space Vector Modulation Method for the Reduced Switch Count Quasi-Z-Source Three-Level Inverter

This article proposes the topology and space vector modulation (SVM) method of a reduced switch count (RSC) quasi-Z-source (QZS) three-level inverter, which can realize voltage buck–boost operation by adopting ten power switches. Compared with the QZS three-level T-type inverter, the presented inverter can further reduce the number of power switches. The SVM method for the proposed topology is designed, which introduces a distribution factor to balance the neutral-point voltage (NPV) actively. In addition, the up-shoot-through and down-shoot-through states are inserted within the durations of redundant small vectors to boost the dc input voltage, while the normal ac output voltage is not affected. Detailed comparisons of the RSC QZS three-level inverter and the existing impedance-source-based three-level inverters are conducted, and design guidelines and recommendations for selecting different components are given as well. Simulated tests based on MATLAB software and experimental tests based on a hardware-based test rig are conducted to validate the operating performance of the proposed topology and modulation method, which reveal that single-stage power conversion is achieved. Moreover, the NPV balance is actively controlled by using the proposed method.