An Asymmetrical Dual Quasi-Z-Source Based 7-Level Inverter for PV Applications

Abstract

This paper presents a new single-stage quasi-z-source (qZS) based power converter for Photovoltaic (PV) applications. This seamless topology is obtained by the fusion of two quasi-z-source networks with a 7-level cascaded multilevel inverter (MLI). The proposed converter requires fewer passive components and power switching devices compared to the seven-level topologies with impedance and quasi-impedance sources, reported in the literature. The proposed modulation technique achieves the required level of voltage boosting using the qZS networks while synthesizing seven levels in the output voltage waveform. While the proposed power converter can regulate the output voltage in the standalone mode, it can inject active power into the grid at Unity power factor (UPF) in the grid-connected mode of operation. This paper also aims to mitigate the leakage current, which is one of the major issues in transformerless PV inverters, by reducing the magnitude of voltage transitions in the parasitic capacitor and the suppression of higher-order harmonics in the ground leakage current. The steady-state and the dynamic performances of the proposed power converter during grid-connected mode of operation is assessed with simulation studies and are validated with experimental results.