An improved topology for high power soft-switched power converters

The push to higher switching frequencies and a desire for lower losses in high power converters requires that switching losses be significantly reduced. Resonant, soft-switching technologies such as the ARCP (Auxiliary Resonant Commutated Pole) attempt to minimize power converter losses by switching the semiconductors at zero voltage or zero current. Deficiencies, however, exist in current ARCP topologies. A novel configuration has been demonstrated that achieves better performance than a conventional ARCP while maintaining essentially the same efficiency and nearly the same power density. This paper describes our new approach and gives simulation and experimental results. A 10 kW, 3-phase inverter, used primarily for driving induction motors, has been constructed and used to experimentally verify the concept.