Trans-Z-source inverters

This paper extends the impedance-source (Z-source) inverters concept to the transformer based Z-source (trans-Z-source) inverters. The original Z-source inverter (ZSI) employs an impedance network of two inductors and two capacitors connected in a special arrangement to interface the dc source and the inverter bridge. It has overcome the conceptual limitations of the traditional voltage-source inverter and the current-source inverter. In the proposed trans-Z-source inverters, the impedance network consists of a transformer and one capacitor. While maintaining the main features of the previously presented Z-source network, the new networks exhibit some unique advantages, such as the increased voltage gain in the voltage-fed trans-ZSIs and the expanded motoring operation range in the current-fed trans-ZSIs when the turns-ratio of the transformer windings is over 1. Simulation and experimental results of one of the voltage-fed trans-Z-source inverters are provided to verify the analysis.