Zero voltage switching AC/DC/AC converter using modified high frequency DC-link

A power converter that is based on high-frequency links, uses unidirectional switches and operates in the zero voltage switching mode is described. It is shown that the converter's reactive elements serve as waveshaping or snubbing functions around the switching operation and are minimally involved in the power transfer. Consequently, the volt-ampere ratings of the reactive elements and switching devices are reduced, and the losses due to the effective series resistance of the reactive elements are decreased. The control method of this converter is to regulate the phase voltages of output capacitors, which operate as equivalent voltage sources. Waveforms obtained from digital simulations of the converter are presented.<>