A switch-source cell-based cascaded multilevel inverter topology with minimum number of power electronics components

Abstract

Multilevel inverters are a new generation of DC–AC converters at medium and high voltage and power levels. In this paper, a new single-phase cascaded multilevel inverter is presented. For this purpose, a new basic cell is presented at first. Then, the new multilevel inverter structure is yielded by series connection of these cells. The proposed new cell is only capable of generating positive voltage levels, and therefore, to produce zero and negative voltage levels, the proposed structure is constructed based on H-bridge module. In order to reduce the maximum blocking voltage especially on H-bridge switches, the cascaded connection of the proposed converter is investigated. A comprehensive comparison is carried out between the proposed multilevel inverter with the classical and recently introduced structures in terms of the number of switching devices, the number of drivers, the total blocking voltage of the switches as well as the loss and efficiency. The accuracy of the proposed inverter’s performance is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink in symmetric and asymmetric topologies for a 17-level and 23-level output voltage respectively, and then evaluated by the laboratory prototype.

A generalized diode containing bidirectional topology for multilevel inverter with reduced switches and power loss

“…This limitation challenges the application of the proposed structure at high‐voltage levels. However, as a solution to this challenge, the generalized cascaded structure can be utilized similar to that presented in Seifi et al, 1,6 and some other references.…”

“…The main reason for designing new MLI structures is to reduce the number of switches and drivers, the total blocking voltage (TBV) or total standing voltage (TSV), and the number of direct current (DC) voltage sources. Accordingly, several structures have been proposed to reduce the number of switches 5–7 . They all used the H‐bridge module to produce an alternative voltage waveform at the output.…”

A novel bidirectional modular multilevel inverter utilizing diode‐based bidirectional unit

“…MLIs consist of semiconductor devices and dc sources that generate quasi-sine output voltage. 1 Different structures and control methods have been proposed for MLIs. The primary structures proposed for MLIs, which are known as classical structures or traditional structures, are divided into three main categories, including neutral point clamped (NPC) MLI, also known as diode clamped MLI; Flying Capacitor (FC) MLI; and cascaded h-bridge (CHB) MLI.…”

“…High quality of voltage and output power, higher efficiency, lower total harmonic distortion (THD), lower switching losses, the lower reverse voltage on the switch, lower dv/dt, etc., are the advantages of MLIs compared to traditional two‐level inverters. MLIs consist of semiconductor devices and dc sources that generate quasi‐sine output voltage 1 . Different structures and control methods have been proposed for MLIs.…”

An improved switched‐ladder bidirectional multilevel inverter: Topology, operating principle, and implementation

“…In the 1990s, the Flying Capacitor (FC) structure was introduced. These three topologies are considered classic multi‐level inverter topologies 4 . Although MVSIs have been a significant research topic for researchers in recent decades and have been broadly utilized in industrial applications, a major challenge for these converters is still the design and introduction of new topologies with fewer switching devices to produce high voltage levels 5,6 …”