High Step-Up Switched-Capacitor ANPC Inverter for Weight-Optimized High-Frequency AC Power Systems in More-Electric Aircraft

This paper presents a hybrid 13-level active neutral point clamped switched-capacitor multilevel inverter (13L-ANPC-SCMLI) topology with inherent voltage-boosting capability, tailored for high-frequency AC (HFAC) power distribution in more-electric aircraft. The proposed topology offers 100% dc-link voltage utilization, supports midpoint clamping for possible three-phase extension, and achieves up to 33% lower maximum semiconductor voltage stress and 66% lower passive component voltage stress relative to the output voltage. Detailed comparisons with recent 13-level switched-capacitor inverter topologies highlight its advantages in voltage gain, device stress, and suitability for aerospace HFAC systems. Analytical design procedures for the switched-capacitor network and soft-charging inductors are provided. A 500 W prototype is implemented and evaluated for fundamental frequencies from 400 Hz to 1 kHz under dynamic loading, modulation index variation, and input voltage step changes. The prototype demonstrates peak efficiency of 97.08% in both simulation and experiment, along with stable operation across the tested conditions. These results confirm the proposed converter's potential for lightweight, high-efficiency, and high-frequency AC power conversion in aircraft electrification.