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    Bidirectional Converters (AC-DC Focus)

    T02.2 - A High-Performance 6-Level Flying Capacitor Multilevel Totem-Pole Bidirectional DC-AC Converter for Single-Phase Systems

    Tuesday, March 24, 2026
    8:50 AM - 9:10 AM CT
    Location: 214B
    High power-density power electronics are needed for a wide range of applications, such as renewable energy, transportation, telecommunication, and computing, to enable compact and modular power-conversion systems. This work demonstrates a high-performance totem-pole flying capacitor multilevel converter utilizing gallium-nitride switches, capable of greatly increased power density compared to conventional designs. Challenges surrounding the control and operation of the totem-pole bidirectional ac-dc converter are detailed, and this work showcases that this complex topology can be translated into a highly power-dense prototype. The hardware prototype converts a dc voltage of 350 V - 400 V to an ac voltage of 240 Vrms at 60 Hz. The converter achieves a power density of > 2480 W/in3, and a peak efficiency of 98.86% through high-performance layout and design techniques, thereby making it a compelling option for high-density grid-tied interfaces.