A Stand-Alone, Split-Phase Current-Sourced Inverter With Novel Energy Storage

A topology and switching algorithm are presented for producing split-phase output voltages using a current-sourced inverter (CSI). Split-phase generation has previously been accomplished using voltage-sourced inverters (VSIs). There are some advantages to instead using CSIs, such as improved output voltage waveform quality and built-in overcurrent protection; however, two issues have prevented their adoption to date. First, while a CSI does not require the input boost converter used by a VSI when fed from a low-voltage source, it may require a preconditioning circuit to provide the required dc current. Second, no algorithm for producing split-phase outputs with a CSI presently exists. This paper's two major contributions aim to solve these problems. A simple preconditioning circuit is presented to provide the necessary DC current and store energy in a capacitor bank for use during load transients. A switching algorithm is written to produce balanced split-phase output voltages under a variety of unbalanced loading conditions. It is demonstrated using simulation and experimental results on a 400-W prototype that the proposed system is able to successfully generate balanced output voltages under unbalanced, inductive, nonlinear, and transient loading conditions, while equalizing switch utilization and minimizing output voltage ripple.