13-Level Single-Source Switched-Capacitor Boost Multilevel Inverter

Kah Haw Law (), Yew Wei Sia, Raymond Choo Wee Chiong, Swee Peng Ang, Kenneth Siok Kiam Yeo and Sy Yi Sim
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Kah Haw Law: Electrical & Electronic Engineering Programme Area, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei
Yew Wei Sia: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Curtin University Malaysia, Sarawak 98009, Malaysia
Raymond Choo Wee Chiong: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Curtin University Malaysia, Sarawak 98009, Malaysia
Swee Peng Ang: Electrical & Electronic Engineering Programme Area, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei
Kenneth Siok Kiam Yeo: Electrical & Electronic Engineering Programme Area, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei
Sy Yi Sim: Faculty of Engineering Technology, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Johor 86400, Malaysia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-19

Abstract: Transformerless inverters (TIs) are becoming increasingly popular in solar photovoltaic (PV) applications due to their enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Unlike transformer-based inverters, TIs, which lack transformers and additional components, offer significant advantages in terms of reduced weight, compactness, and lower costs. Research studies have demonstrated that multilevel TIs can achieve lower total harmonic distortion (THD), reduced switching stresses, and higher AC output voltage levels suitable for high voltage applications. However, achieving these outcomes simultaneously with maximum power ratings and the lowest switching frequencies poses a challenge for TI topologies. In light of these challenges, this research proposes the implementation of a 13-level single-source switched-capacitor boost multilevel inverter (SSCBMLI) designed for solar PV systems. The SSCBMLI consists of a single DC power source, switched-capacitor (SC) units, and a full H-bridge. Compared to other existing 13-level multilevel inverter (MLI) configurations, the proposed SSCBMLI utilizes the fewest components to minimize development costs. Moreover, the SSCBMLI offers voltage boosting and can drive high inductive loads, self-voltage-balanced capacitors, an adaptable topology structure, and reliable system performance. Simulations and experimental tests are conducted using PLECS 4.5 and SIMULINK to assess the performance of the proposed SSCBMLI under varying modulation indices, source powers, and loads. A comparative analysis is then conducted to evaluate the SSCBMLI against existing inverter topologies.

Keywords: multilevel inverter (MLI); photovoltaic (PV); self-balanced; switched-capacitor (SC); transformerless inverter (TI); voltage boost (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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