Full-Bridge Modular Multilevel Submodule-Based High-Voltage Bipolar Pulse Generator With Low-Voltage DC, Input for Pulsed Electric Field Applications

摘要: High-voltage (HV) pulse generators (PGs) are the core of pulsed electric field applications. Applying HV pulses produces electrical pores in a biological cell membrane, which if size increases beyond critical size, will not survive. This paper proposes new HV-PG based on modular multilevel converter with full-bridge submodules (FB-SMs). In order to alleviate need complicated sensorless or sensor-based voltage balancing techniques for FB-SM capacitors, dedicated self-regulating charging circuit is connected across each capacitor. The individual capacitor level obtained from three successive stages, namely, convert low-voltage dc input high-frequency square ac voltage, increase via nanocrystalline step-up transformer, and rectify secondary transformer diode FB rectifier. bipolar formed load fourth stage through series FB-SMs. flexibility inserting bypassing capacitors allows proposed topology generate different pulse-waveform shapes, including rectangular waveforms specifically reduced ${dv/dt}$ ramp pulses. practical results, scaled-down experimental rig five FB-SMs 1-kV peak-to-peak output, validate topology.