In this article, a 12 switch 31 L multi-level inverter (MLI) is proposed with the benefits of least switching devices for electric vehicle applications. In most electric vehicles (EV), conventional inverters are utilized so the lifetime of electric vehicle induction motors is reduced due to the high THD level and high voltage stress. To rectify this, a new inverter topology is proposed with minimum switching devices by increasing the level to 31, and also the THD should be maintained within IEEE standards. This inverter topology is constructed with variable DC sources (PV system) along with required capacitors and a polarity changer. The specific feature of this topology is that it can generate any level of voltage with minimum switching devices, less voltage stress, minimum THD, and less cost are tabulated in the comparison. This type of inverter can also applicable for high voltage (HV) applications and grid-connected systems. Furthermore, the proposed topology is simulated with MATLAB software and the downscale prototype model is developed using the DSPIC30f2010 controller.
The article discusses a nine-level switching capacitor-based common ground-type boost inverter for grid-connected photovoltaic applications. The proposed structure’s direct connection between the negative terminal of the input source and the grid neutral eliminates leakage current. The proposed topology uses eleven switches, two diodes, and three switching capacitors to produce a double voltage boost with nine different voltage levels. Self-balancing switching capacitors eliminate the need for sophisticated independent control algorithms. The maximum voltage stress on one of the three capacitors equals the input voltage, while it is equal to half of the input voltage on the other two switched capacitors. The various modes of operation and capacitance calculation are discussed in depth. A comprehensive comparison with various nine-level topologies has been conducted in terms of total component count, total standing voltage, capacitor voltage, and approximate cost to demonstrate the proposed topology’s benefits. A 400-W inverter prototype is constructed, and the experimental findings under various operating situations are reviewed.
19 January 2024 in IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Express Briefs
This article proposes a single-stage dynamic voltage boosting five-level active neutral point clamped (ANPC) inverter topology with continuous input current. The proposed topology can overcome the conventional ANPC five-level inverter drawbacks, such as the requirement of high dc-link voltage and 50% utilization of dc-link capacitors. The proposed topology and its various modes of operation are detailed by highlighting the inductors’ charging and discharging periods. Further, the design calculations for sizing the passive components and grid-tied control schemes are discussed. A detailed comparison is presented to show the superiority of the proposed topology compared to other recent topologies. Experimental results from a 1.6 kVA laboratory prototype and simulation results using the MATLAB/Simulink environment are presented to confirm the feasibility of the proposed topology.
13 February 2023 in International Journal of Electronics
This article presents a new nine-level common ground (CG) type transformerless inverter (TL) structure with an integrated boost (IB) cell. The proposed structure eliminates the leakage current due to the CG structure between the input source and the grid neutral. The proposed topology is derived by combining a DC-DC boost converter and switched capacitor (SC) cell, capable of generating the nine-level output voltage over a wide range of input voltage variations. By maintaining the duty cycle of the IB converter switch at 50%, the proposed topology generates the output voltage with a boosting factor of 4. Besides, soft charging of the involved SCs and reduced inrush current is also achieved through the inductor, which ensures the permissible current stresses of the power switches. Furthermore, the voltage across the SCs is self-balanced, eliminating the need for complex independent control techniques. A 725-W laboratory prototype is built to test the performance of the proposed topology under various operating conditions, such as input and load variations. The measured efficiency of 96.9% at 725 W is obtained and is comparable with the simulation efficiency. Finally, the merits of the proposed topology are highlighted using a detailed comparison with the other recent nine-level inverter topologies.
14 January 2026 in IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics
This paper introduces a novel seven-level common-ground switched-capacitor inverter with integrated dynamic voltage-boosting capability. The proposed topology requires fewer switches and components, resulting in reduced cost and lower power losses. It incorporates a neutral-point clamping mechanism to minimize voltage stress on the switching devices, enhancing efficiency and reliability. A comparative analysis with existing SCMLI topologies is presented to highlight its advantages. The inverter is evaluated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations and validated experimentally using a 1 kW prototype under various load and dynamic conditions. Both simulation and experimental results confirm that the proposed inverter is efficient, reliable, and highly suitable for renewable energy applications.