Two Novel Open-End Winding Multilevel Unidirectional Six-Phase Rectifiers With Reduced Switch Count

In this article, two new unidirectional multilevel six-phase power rectifier topologies are proposed and investigated. Such topologies may be applied to ac–dc systems such as wind energy conversions systems, aerospace generator drives, telecommunications or any other application where regenerative operation is either not required or prohibited. The first topology is composed of two three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) converters connected to the open-end windings of a six-phase permanent magnet synchronous generator, and a three-phase noncontrolled diode bridge converter. The second topology is composed of three modified NPC converters with the substitution of two controlled switches by diodes in each leg. The use of a noncontrolled converter with diodes aims to reduce the controlled switches count, the system complexity, and the costs. However, it makes both systems nonreversible. The system models, operating principles, the space vector pulsewidth modulation strategies, the dc-links balance, and the control system to ensure the elimination of the zero-crossover distortion caused by the use of the diodes are presented. Due to the high number of levels generated, the systems are suitable for high power applications with voltage and current ratings restrictions. A study concerning harmonic distortion and semiconductor losses for both systems is performed, in order to be compared with a standard configuration. The feasibility of the system is demonstrated by simulation and experimental results.