Buck-assisted split-source inverter

A buck-assisted split-source converter device comprising:

• a DC link having two voltage rails;
• at least two pairs of series connected controllable semiconductor switches with antiparallel diodes connected between the voltage rails of the DC link, wherein each pair comprises an upper controllable semiconductor switch and a lower controllable semiconductor switch with a center point therebetween, the center points of the series connected controllable semiconductor switches forming phase outputs of the converter device;
• a first connection point and a second connection point configured to receive voltage terminals of a fuel cell, one of the two voltage rails of the DC link forming the first connection point;
• a controllable switch component and an inductor connected in series having a first end formed of a terminal of the controllable switch component and a second end formed of a terminal of the inductor, the first end forming the second connection point for receiving a voltage terminal of the fuel cell;
• at least two first diodes having one of their corresponding terminals connected together and to the second end of the series connection of the controllable switch component and the inductor, and the other terminals of the at least two first diodes being connected to separate phase outputs of the converter device;
• a second diode having first and second terminals, the first terminal being connected to a point between the controllable switch component and the inductor and the second terminal being connected to the voltage rail forming the first connection point, a polarity of the second diode corresponding to polarities of the at least two first diodes such that a current path is formed through the second diode and the at least two first diodes;
• and
• a circuit configured to control the controllable switch component conductive when any one of the lower controllable semiconductor switches connected to the voltage rail forming the first connection point is controlled conductive.