Re-configurable H-bridge topology: As noted above in conjunction with FIG. 2, the present system and method has four power switches 325.1, 325.2, 325.3, 325.4. The four power switches 325 are mutually coupled and arranged in a connection topology which is substantially similar to that of a conventional H-bridge 210, as is apparent at least from FIGS. 3A and 3B.
The exemplary reconfigurable H-bridge converter module 320 has switches 325.1 and 325.2 directly connected in series, forming a first half-bridge 328.1 (see bracketed elements 328.1, 328.2 in FIG. 3B); switches 325.3 and 325.4 are also directly connected in series, forming a second half-bridge 328.2; the two half bridges 328.n are generally connected in parallel (though the contactors 350 of the present system and method may provide for some variations from this in some modes); and each of the half bridges 328.1 and 328.2 has a respective power connection node (N22, N15) between each of the respective series power switches. Other connection elements may be seen from FIGS. 3A and 3B. For purposes of exposition and in the appended claims, this connection topology may be referred to as a reconfigurable H-bridge topology. The present system and method has provisions for switches and passive current/voltage control elements in the CFCs 375 which can alter the path and character of current flow at selected points in the RH-BC module 320.
