A lightweight inverter for off-grid and grid-connected systems

This paper presents a novel bi-directional power processing topology particularly suitable as an inverter for both grid and off-grid alternative energy systems. All semiconductor devices are soft-switched, thereby allowing higher switching frequencies, improving efficiency, and reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI). The topology may utilise a small, light-weight, and inexpensive high-frequency transformer. Experimental results of a 1 kW bi-directional DC-DC converter are presented.