A Novel Three-Phase Three-Leg AC/AC Converter Using Nine IGBTs

<para xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> This paper proposes a novel three-phase nine-switch ac/ac converter topology. This converter features sinusoidal inputs and outputs, unity input power factor, and more importantly, low manufacturing cost due to its reduced number of active switches. The operating principle of the converter is elaborated; its modulation schemes are discussed. Simulated semiconductor loss analysis and comparison with the back-to-back two-level voltage source converter are presented. Finally, experimental results from a 5-kVA prototype system are provided to verify the validity of the proposed topology. </para>