A New Self‐Balanced Switched‐Capacitor Three‐Phase Multi‐Level Boost Inverter Fed PMSM Drive for EV Application

ABSTRACT Nowadays, switched capacitor based (SC‐based) multi‐level inverters (SC‐MLI) have attracted significant attention in electric vehicle (EV) traction inverter applications. Some key advantages include voltage‐boosting capabilities, self‐balanced capacitors, and the absence of transformers and inductors. This brief article presents a three‐phase, three‐level, self‐balanced, SC‐based, inherently boosting bidirectional converter (3L‐SC‐BI) topology. It is designed for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives in EV applications. The presented 3L‐SC‐BI produces five different line voltage levels with a 1:2 voltage boost, making it suitable for low‐ and medium‐voltage EVs. The 3L‐SC‐BI topology supports bidirectional operation, enabling RB and energy recovery to charge the battery. The converter integrates a modified sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) method and a robust control system to ensure smooth and efficient transitions between motoring and RB modes. Comprehensive modeling on MATLAB/Simulink and experimental tests on a 1 kW laboratory setup with the dSPACE‐1104 platform are presented. The PMSM drive was subjected to a 500 s. Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) drive cycle input for EV testing. The comparison with similar types of converters demonstrates the efficacy of the presented topology. It offers higher performance, lower harmonics, reduced torque ripples, smooth regenerative energy recovery, and increased voltage for EV powertrains.