Impedance (Z-) source power converter

Impedance source networks have added a new chapter in the field of power electronic topologies with their unique features and properties that overcome most of the problems faced by traditional converter topologies. Since the publication of the first Z-source network, there have been numerous contributions in the literature modifying the basic topology to suit the needs of many applications. In principle, it overcomes the conceptual and theoretical barriers and limitations of the traditional VSI and CSI and provides a novel power conversion concept. The superior performance of the impedance source network to design more robust and versatile converter topologies for various applications attracts researchers and designers from both academia and industry to explore it in more depth. Many topologies were developed to overcome the limitations and disadvantages of the traditional impedance source network. The number of combinations is large and the topologies might in some cases be confusing. In this chapter, an attempt is made to provide a global picture of the impedance source networks proposed in the literature to comprehend and identify their pros and cons. A broad classification of the topologies and modulation techniques with further sub-classification aims to provide an easy selection of control and modulation techniques for appropriate topologies for particular applications.