A Multilevel Inverter Topology Using Diode Half-Bridge Circuit with Reduced Power Component

Abstract

This paper presents a new multilevel converter with a reduced number of power components for medium voltage applications. Both symmetric and asymmetric structures of the presented multilevel converter are proposed. The symmetric topology requires equal dc source values, whereas the asymmetric topology uses minimum switch count. However, both structures suffer from high blocking voltage across the switches. To reduce the blocking voltage on switches, an optimal topology is presented and analyzed for the selection of the minimum number of switches and dc sources, while maintaining a low blocking voltage across the switches. A comparative analysis with recently published topologies was performed. The simulation results, as well as the comparative analysis, validated the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed topology in terms of the reduced power loss, lowered number of components, and cost. Furthermore, in addition to the simulation results, the performance of the proposed topology was verified using experimental results of 9, 17, and 25 levels.

Design of a multi-level inverter for solar power systems with a variable number of levels technique

“…However, this will lead to a decreased output RMS voltage. Also, in [16], an inverter is shown that can work at 9, 17, and 25 levels, but switching from nine levels to seventeen levels or to twenty five levels is not specified. Furthermore, in [16], the utilization of the MPPT technique with renewable energy sources is not done.…”

“…Also, in [16], an inverter is shown that can work at 9, 17, and 25 levels, but switching from nine levels to seventeen levels or to twenty five levels is not specified. Furthermore, in [16], the utilization of the MPPT technique with renewable energy sources is not done. Accordingly, such techniques can be used with promising non-traditional renewable energy systems, such as thermoelectric modules [34], [35].…”

“…Accordingly, such techniques can be used with promising non-traditional renewable energy systems, such as thermoelectric modules [34], [35]. [11] High step-up boost converter PV 1 No 5 [12] Not specified Not specified 1 Yes (through modulation index) 7 [13] Zeta converter PV 1 No 7 [14] Not specified Wind turbine & PV 2 No 3 (Three-phase) [15] Not specified Not specified 3 Yes 25 [16] Boost converter PV (Three different systems) 3 Yes (with maintaining its peak value)…”

“…Novel converters are employed to increase energy conversion in present energy systems. The characteristics of MLIs were summarized in work presented by Sathik et al [16] to underline the importance of grid-connected and PV systems. The current study addresses MLI size, cost, lower THD, and high conversion efficiency.…”

Solar Photovoltaic System-Based Reduced Switch Multilevel Inverter for Improved Power Quality

“…A single-phase MLI with reduced switching stress on the power switches is suggested in [30]. A new MLI topology using a diode half-bridge circuit is explained in [31]. An MLI where the number of DC sources is reduced with the control of the switching scheme is suggested in [32].…”