Dual complementary four-switch three-phase inverters

Background:

Traditional three-phase inverters commonly use six-switch configurations, which tend to have higher current ripple and larger capacitance requirements. These limitations impact the overall size, cost, and efficiency of power conversion systems. As the demand for more compact and efficient inverters grows, especially in sectors like renewable energy and electric vehicles, there exists a need for innovative designs that can overcome these challenges.

Technology Overview:

The technology features two four-switch, three-phase inverters operating in parallel, sharing input capacitors, and capable of supplying either a common or separate load. This unique approach differs fundamentally from the conventional six-switch inverter design. By employing a specialized control method, the outputs of the two four-switch inverters maintain a 180° phase shift, which effectively reduces current ripple and the overall system capacitance. These improvements translate into smaller, less expensive components without sacrificing performance. Furthermore, parallel operation, the four-switch topology, and advanced control strategies enhance reliability and efficiency, addressing the growing demands of high-power applications such as renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. Sharing input capacitors between the two inverters, combined with fewer switches per inverter, reduces complexity and increases power density. This novel configuration enables more compact systems, easier thermal management, and potential cost savings in manufacturing and maintenance.

Advantages:

•    Reduced current ripple, leading to smoother power output and improved system longevity.
•    Lower capacitance requirements resulting in smaller, more cost-effective capacitor components with longer lifespans.
•    Compact design due to the four-switch topology and reduced, shared input capacitors, saving space and enhancing power density.
•    Enhanced efficiency through a unique control method for four-switch inverters, enabling the cost-effective integration of wide-bandgap semiconductor technology.
•    Reliable operation tailored for demanding high-power applications such as renewable energy and electric vehicles.
•    Cost savings in both component procurement and system maintenance due to simplified design and higher reliability.

Applications:

•    Power conversion in renewable energy systems, including solar and wind installations.
•    Electric vehicle powertrains requiring efficient, compact inverter solutions.
•    High-power motor drives and industrial equipment where size and efficiency are critical.
•    Energy storage systems that benefit from reduced ripples and improved inverter reliability.
•    Any application requiring scalable, efficient, and reliable three-phase inverter technologies.

Intellectual Property Summary: Provisional Patent application filed

Stage of Development: TRL 2

Licensing Status: This technology is available for licensing.

About the Research Foundation for the State University of New York:

As the nation's largest research foundation supporting the nation's largest public university system, The Research Foundation for SUNY powers research and innovation to address today's most pressing problems and shape a better future for generations to come. The Research Foundations supports SUNY researchers leading the way globally in AI for the public good, quantum technologies, next-generation semiconductors, biotech and medicine, energy and climate solutions, and more. The Research Foundation for SUNY is a private, nonprofit educational corporation that is tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3). To learn more, please visit us online at rfsuny.org.

About the State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.