Efficiency and Economic Analysis of Open-End Winding Converter for Renewable Energy Systems Using Hybrid Silicon-Wide Bandgap Devices

This study aims to demonstrate how the integration of advanced semiconductor technologies, such as Wide Bandgap materials, can significantly enhance the efficiency of power converters, offering innovative solutions for applications in electric traction and renewable energy systems. It focuses on a specific open-end winding topology in terms of both efficiency and cost. This topology incorporates a multilevel inverter that operates with low-frequency step modulation to minimize conduction losses, along with a two-level inverter functioning as a high-frequency filter to improve the output current waveform quality. Specifically, the study evaluates five different solutions, with an emphasis on power losses and economic feasibility. Preliminary simulation results, obtained using the thermal module of the PSIM software, provide valuable insights into achieving an optimal balance between cost and efficiency during the conversion process.