A single-phase asymmetrical half-bridge (AHB) inverter is a type of electronic circuit used to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) in a single-phase system. It is widely used in various applications, including renewable energy systems, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and motor drives.
The AHB inverter consists of two semiconductor switches, typically insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) or MOSFETs, and two freewheeling diodes. The switches are connected to the positive and negative terminals of a DC voltage source, such as a battery or a DC bus capacitor. The AHB inverter can generate an AC output waveform across its output terminals, providing controlled voltage and frequency for the connected load.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of the operation of a single-phase AHB inverter:
Initial state: The switches are initially in an off state, meaning both IGBTs are non-conducting, and the freewheeling diodes are reverse-biased.
Positive half-cycle: To generate the positive half-cycle of the AC waveform, the lower switch (IGBT1) is turned on by applying a gate signal. This connects the positive terminal of the DC voltage source to the load, and current starts flowing through the load.
IGBT1 conducts (ON state): The current flows from the positive terminal of the DC source through IGBT1, the load, and then through the freewheeling diode D2 to the negative terminal of the DC source. This causes the load voltage to rise, generating the positive half of the AC waveform.
IGBT2 remains off (OFF state): The upper switch (IGBT2) is kept off during this half-cycle, and the freewheeling diode D1 is reverse-biased, preventing current flow through it.
Negative half-cycle: To generate the negative half-cycle of the AC waveform, the upper switch (IGBT2) is turned on, and the lower switch (IGBT1) is turned off.
IGBT2 conducts (ON state): The current flows from the negative terminal of the DC source through IGBT2, the load, and then through the freewheeling diode D1 to the positive terminal of the DC source. This causes the load voltage to become negative, generating the negative half of the AC waveform.
IGBT1 remains off (OFF state): IGBT1 is kept off during this half-cycle, and the freewheeling diode D2 is reverse-biased, preventing current flow through it.
Output waveform: The alternating switching between IGBT1 and IGBT2 generates the desired single-phase AC waveform across the output terminals of the inverter. By adjusting the switching frequency and the duty cycle of the switches, the output voltage amplitude and frequency can be controlled to match the requirements of the connected load.
It's important to note that, as the name suggests, this inverter is asymmetrical, meaning it has different on and off times for the two switches. This can lead to a higher harmonic content in the output waveform, which needs to be considered when designing and using the inverter in various applications.