Low Volume and Low Weight 3-Phase 5-Level Back to Back E-Type Converter

This paper deals with a multilevel ac-ac double conversion system that uses the intercell transformer (ICT) for applications which include generating systems and the interfacing of renewable energy sources with the utility grids. Each phase of the proposed configuration is formed through the ICT interleaving operation of two multilevel 5-level E-type legs to achieve the 3-phase 5-level back-to-back E-type converter (3Φ5L BTB E-type converter). The analytical procedure to select the inductance and capacitance values of both the input and output filters is described in the paper. Furthermore, the design and implementation of the input/output ICTs and inductors is discussed. The simulation and the experimental results on the 20-kVA interleaved 3Φ5L BTB E-type converter prototype are presented to validate the proposed analysis.