Bi-directional energy converter with multiple dc sources

A multiple dc sources bi-directional energy converter, comprising:

• a plurality of direct current (DC) power sources;
• one alternating current (AC) power source;
• at least two or more full bridge converters, each having a primary node and a secondary node, each full bridge converter having a positive and negative node, each full bridge converter having a voltage supporting device electrically connected in a parallel relationship between said positive node and said negative node, each full bridge converter having an inductor electrically connected between primary and said first leg of full bridge converter, and a direct current (DC) power source connected between said positive and negative nodes;
• at least one stacked alternating current (AC) phase, each stacked alternating current (AC) phase having a plurality of said full bridge converters, each of said full bridge converters in each stacked alternating current (AC) phase interconnected in a series relationship with said secondary node of one of said full bridge converters connected to said primary node of another full bridge converter, said series interconnection defining a first full bridge converter and a last full bridge converter, each alternating current (AC) phase having an input node at said primary node of said first full bridge converter and an output node at said secondary node of said last full bridge converter;
• an alternative current (AC) power source connected across said alternating current (AC) phase;
• a local controller coupled to each full bridge converter controlling the firing sequence of the switching devices in said full bridge converter to generate an approximate sinusoidal voltage waveform when operated as a voltage source inverter in one direction or generate an approximate constant direct current (DC) output when operated as a full-wave active rectifier in the opposite direction;
• and
• a system controller communicating to each local controller, the system level controller generating a system control signal for configuration activation, deactivation and operating mode selection of said local controller.