Multi-level converter

A multi-level converter (MLC) or (multi-level inverter) is a method of generating high-voltage wave-forms from lower-voltage components. MLC origins go back over a hundred years, when in the 1880s, the advantages of DC long-distance transmission became evident.[1]

Modular multi-level converters (MMC) were investigated by Tricoli et al in 2017. Although their viability for electric vehicles (EV) was established, suitable low-cost semiconductors to make this topology competitive are not currently available (as of 2019).[2]

In 1999, Tolbert described the use of MLC for battery operated electric motors.[3]

Habib's 2018 review paper[4] reviews multi-level inverters (a synonym for MLC) stating the advantages of bi-directional energy flows to power the motor or charge the battery system.

  1. ^ Arrillaga, Jos (1998). "Chapter 1". High Voltage Direct Current Transmission (Second ed.). Institution of Electrical Engineers. p. 1–9. ISBN 0852969414.
  2. ^ Tricoli, Pietro (Mar 2017). "Efficiency assessment of modular multilevel converters for battery electric vehicles" (PDF). IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics. 32 (3): 2041–2051. Bibcode:2017ITPE...32.2041Q. doi:10.1109/TPEL.2016.2557579. S2CID 8412590.
  3. ^ Tolbert, Leon M. (Jan–Feb 1999). "Multilevel Converters for Large Electric Drives". IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications. 35 (1): 36–44. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.468.9074. doi:10.1109/28.740843.
  4. ^ Habib, Salman (Jan 2018). "Assessment of electric vehicles concerning impacts, charging infrastructure with unidirectional and bidirectional chargers, and power flow comparisons". Int J Energy Res. 42 (11): 3416–3441. doi:10.1002/er.4033. S2CID 104109087.