Performance evaluation of a grid‐connected three‐phase six‐switch boost‐type current source PV inverter under different switching strategies

Abstract

Recently, boost‐type current source inverters (CSIs) have received a considerable attention in grid connected photovoltaic (PV) applications thanks to their salient features such as high reliability and the aptitude to operate with a DC‐link voltage lower than the grid side voltage. This paper investigates the performance of three different switching strategies for grid‐connected six‐switch boost‐type CSI employed in a solar power conversion system. These strategies are analyzed in terms of the global average conduction and switching power losses, DC‐link current ripple, and AC power quality. The proposed evaluation is based on experimental investigations of the power devices behavior and computer co‐simulations. The obtained numerical and experimental results prove that the switching strategy with a freewheeling state placed in the middle of the overall pulse‐period is the most appropriate in terms of efficiency and power quality.