Abstract: A power converter for transforming electrical power between direct current (DC) power and alternating current (AC) power is provided, as well as a controller therefor and associated methods and systems. The power converter comprises: a first set of packed U-cell converters connectable between a first common connection point and a first terminal of an external circuit, the first common connection point connecting to a first terminal of a DC circuit element; a second set of packed U-cell converters connectable between a second common connection point and a second, opposite terminal of the external circuit, the second common connection point connecting to a second, opposite terminal of the DC circuit element; and a controller configured for controlling the operation of the first and second sets of packed U-cell converters.

Abstract: A power converter for transforming electrical power between direct current power and alternating current power is provided, as well as related methods and systems. The power converter comprises: a half-bridge inverter, a switching cell, and a connection branch connecting the half-bridge inverter to the switching cell. The half-bridge inverter comprises: first and second switches connected in parallel, and a first capacitor connected between the first and second switches. The switching cell comprises: a first pair of switches forming a first branch, a second pair of switches and a second capacitor forming a second branch; and a third capacitor connected between the first and second branches. The connection branch is coupled to the half-bridge inverter at a first point intermediate the first capacitor and the second switch, and coupled to the switching cell at a second point intermediate the first branch and the second capacitor.