A Dual Source 13 Level Inverter with Reduced Component Count for Renewable Energy Applications

Abstract

An innovative multilevel inverter (MLI) relying on switched capacitor (SC) architecture is suggested for single-phase inverters with 13-levels. This suggested SCMLI is expected to be capable of generating output AC voltages at appropriate levels while utilizing fewer switches. The suggested inverter utilizes two count of capacitors, two asymmetrical dc sources, two diodes, and 11 switches. As fewer switches are needed, fewer gate drivers are also needed, increasing the converter's power density. The challenge of preserving self-voltage balance across the capacitors in an SC-MLI circuit is yet another task. Additionally, when the modulation index is low, self-voltage preservation is subpar. It is possible to maintain the self-voltage balance with the capacitors connected in this suggested SC-MLI avoiding the requirement of any ancillary devices or challenging control schemes. Regardless of the modulation index values, capacitors operate at self-balanced levels in all regions of the spectrum. The suggested SC-MLI has a strong ability to achieve good power quality and can balance capacitor voltages even at low modulation indices. The suggested SC-MLI is first modelled using different loading conditions in the MATLAB/Simulink® platform, and subsequently it is validated with the help of typhoon-HIL real-time emulator. Using the simulation tool PLEXIM-PLECS, the suggested inverter's overall switching losses and efficiency are estimated and found out to be 95.87%.