Bi-directional multi-level converter for an energy storage system

This paper proposes a 3 kW single-phase bi-directional multi-level converter for energy storage applications. The proposed topology is based on the H-bridge structure with four switches connected to the DC-link. A simple phase opposition disposition PWM method that requires only one carrier signal is also suggested. The switching sequence to balance the capacitor voltage is considered. The topology can be extended to a nine-level converter or a three-phase system. The operating principle of the proposed converter is verified through a simulation and an experiment.