Bidirectional magnetically coupled T-Source Inverter for extra low voltage application

This paper investigates the performance of a magnetically coupled T-Source-Inverter (TSI) for extra low voltage and high current applications. As the TSI is part of the well-known group of inverters with impedance source networks, it is capable to boost the output voltage beyond the level of the input voltage within a single stage. This boost operation is achieved by inserting a new operational state called `shoot through'. By using a proper turns ratio for the transformer design, the TSI can theoretically reach the same boost factor compared to inverters with impedance source networks without coupled inductors (e.g. Z-Source and Quasi-Z-Source) while operating with a smaller shoot through duty cycle. Considering the fact that it is not possible to build an ideal transformer, the coupling coefficient of the transformer respectively the leakage inductance determines its performance. For that reason, this paper focuses on a practical extra low voltage and high current application of the TSI and its limitations which are exposed in the section of the experimental results.