Design and Implementation of a Power Cell for Assembling Modular Voltage Source Inverters

Abstract

This paper introduces the design and hardware implementation considerations of an IGBT-based power cell to assemble voltage source inverters (VSIs) of different topologies in modular way. The design and selection of the main hardware components is explained. Moreover, the techniques for reducing stray inductances and EMI in the designing printed circuit board is given. For the design of the circuit board, local regulations for grid interconnection and international standards have been considered to obtain a safe and reliable electronic power cell. The developed hardware has been subjected to different tests by using a cost-effective digital system and AC electric motors as loads. Three VSIs topologies are evaluated: single-phase 2-level H-bridge VSI, three-phase 2-level VSI and a single-phase 5-level cascaded H-bridge VSI. Experimental results validate the theory and demonstrate an excellent performance, reliability, and high efficiency of the developed power cells for modular VSIs.