Derivation of multilevel voltage source converter topologies

Multilevel converters have gained popularity in both medium voltage and low voltage applications. To find out the connections between various multilevel voltage source converter topologies and reveal how to obtain new topologies, this paper has presented four methods to derive multilevel converter topologies. Many existing topologies as well as new topologies can be derived with the methods presented in this paper. The fundamental characteristics of the multilevel converters which determine their usability such as dc-link neutral point voltage balancing and flying capacitor voltage control are also investigated in the paper. It is expected that further topologies will be invented based on the work in the paper for emerging applications.