Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

• F. Sedaghati ¹
• S. Ebrahimzadeh ¹
• H. Dolati ²

¹ Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

² Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Increasing environmental problems and challenges have led to increased use of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic or PV system. One of the attractive research fields is power electronic converters as interfaces for renewable energy sources. Multilevel inverters can operate as such interfaces. This paper introduces modified topologies of switched-capacitor multilevel inverters, designed to overcome constraints of low voltage renewable energy sources such as PV.
Methods: Configuration of topologies utilize a single DC source with series or parallel connection of capacitors to produce 7-level, 9-level, and 11-level voltage in the converter load side. The paper presents the converter operation principle, elements voltage stress analysis, and capacitor sizing calculations. Also, operation analysis of suggested inverter topologies is validated using implemented set up.
Results: Comprehensive comparative analysis reveals that the proposed topologies have merits and superior performance compared to existing solutions regarding component number, voltage boost factor, and voltage stress. The experimental measurement results confirm the accuracy of multilevel output voltage waveforms and the self-balancing of capacitor voltages, as predicted by theoretical analysis.
Conclusion: The suggested switched-capacitor multilevel inverters, moreover the superiority over previously presented topologies, show great potential for application in photovoltaic systems and electric vehicle battery banks.

Keywords

• Multilevel Inverter
• Switched-capacitor
• Capacitor Charging
• Longest Discharge Period

Main Subjects

• Power Electronics

Open Access

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Publisher

Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University