Abstract: Capacitors (4, 6) are connected in series across a DC power supply (2). IGBTs (8, 10) are connected in series across the DC power supply (2), too. The IGBTs (8, 10) are rendered conductive alternately. A transformer (12) is connected between the junction of the capacitors (4, 6) and the junction of the IGBTs (8, 10). Snubber capacitors (32, 38) are connected in parallel with the IGBTs (8, 10), respectively. Diodes (34, 40) are connected in series with respective ones of the snubber capacitors (32, 38) in such a manner that said snubber capacitors (32, 38) can be charged when the IGBTs (8, 10) are rendered nonconductive. A secondary winding (54SA) of a transformer (54) is connected between the DC power supply (2) and the junction of the snubber capacitor (32) and the diode (34), and converts a secondary voltage of the transformer (12) and returns the converted voltage to the DC power supply (2) when the IGBT (8) is conductive.

Abstract: One of commercial AC voltages is coupled to power supply terminals from one of commercial AC power supplies. The AC power supplies belong to either a first group providing higher voltages or a second group providing lower voltages. A rectifier rectifies the AC voltage applied to the power supply terminals, and a rectified voltage is developed between two rectifier output terminals. A switching unit operates to connect voltage-boosting converters selectively in series and in parallel between the rectifier output terminals. Inverters are connected in the output sides of and in association with the respective voltage-boosting converters for converting DC voltages from the associated voltage-boosting converters to high-frequency voltages. The high-frequency voltages are voltage-transformed by associated voltage-transformers, and the voltage-transformed high-frequency voltages are converted into a DC voltage by a rectifier circuit and a reactor.