Abstract
This chapter is dedicated to explaining the basic concept of multilevel converter/inverters, introducing the three typical topologies, i.e., diode clamped multilevel inverter, flying capacitor multilevel inverter, and cascade multilevel inverter (CMI), and describing their pros and cons regarding their most suitable applications. A generalized multilevel inverter topology unifies the three typical multilevel inverters and has the ability to generate other multilevel topologies, such as modular multilevel converter (M2C), magnetic‐less multilevel DC‐DC converters, and stacked multicell converters, etc. As application examples, Y‐connection, Δ‐connection, and face‐to‐face‐connected CMIs are applied to static var generation (SVG), static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), and flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices. The Y‐connection CMI is the most promising topology in application to adjustable speed drives and photovoltaic (PV) power systems. Magnetic‐less multilevel DC‐DC converters are another emerging applications of the multilevel concept, which can achieve a high voltage boost factor with compact size, high efficiency, and suitable for high temperature application. Multilevel converters involve a high fault possibility owing to the large number of components. This chapter also analyzes the fault tolerance and reliability of multilevel converters.
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