An Embedded Enhanced-Boost Z-Source Inverter Topology with Fault-Tolerant Capabilities

This paper explores the fault tolerant capabilities of an Embedded Enhanced-Boost Z-Source Inverter (EEB-ZSI) for PV applications. Compared with the prior-art Embedded Source Inverters (E-ZSI) and Enhanced-Boost Z-Source Inverter (EB-ZSI), the proposed topology features that when one dc source (e.g., PV panel) is short-circuited (SC) or open-circuited (OC), the inverter can tolerate the faults and still operate with a compromised conversion ratio. However, the conversion ratio is still larger than the traditional E-ZSI. This topology can be further applied to the cascaded H-bridge inverter systems for multi-level applications with fault-handling capabilities. A detailed fault-tolerant analysis is conducted on the EEB-ZSI and simulations are provided to validate the analysis.