A multiphase series-resonant converter with a reduced number of thyristors and common grounds for inputs and outputs

Multiphase series-resonant (SR) power converters provide a flexible way to transform power between a utility grid and a multiphase load or source. The current implementations all suffer from a high component count, which makes the use of these converters unattractive from an economical point of view. A new topology for multiphase SR converters has been proposed previously in a simulation context. This topology uses half the number of power semiconductors compared to the existing multiphase SR converters. The present paper addresses the implementation of the new topology in a prototype converter. Simulation data and measured waveforms are shown, and a comparison is made between the new and the existing topologies. It is shown that the economical gain due to the reduction in component count is offset by a lower power rating