A New Fault-Tolerant Topology and Operation Scheme for the High Voltage Stage in a Three-Phase Solid-State Transformer

Abstract

One of the most important reliability concerns for Solid-State Transformers (SSTs) is related to high voltage side switches. High voltage stress on the switches, together with the fact that most modern SST topologies are comprised of a large number of power switches in the high voltage side, contribute to a higher probability of a switch fault occurrence. This paper proposes a new SST topology in conjunction with a fault-tolerant operation strategy that can fully restore operation of the proposed SST in case of the mentioned fault scenario. Preliminary theoretical and simulation results are provided to support the proposed idea.