Analysis of the Performance of a 5-Level Modular Multilevel Inverter for a Solar Grid-Connected System

Abstract

The main purpose of a multilevel inverter is to combine numerous levels of dc voltage to create a nearly sinusoidal voltage. The synthesized output waveform has more stages as the number of levels rises, creating a staircase ripple which resembles the preferred waveform. As the number of voltage levels rises, the output wave's harmonic distortion diminishes and eventually approaches zero. In particular, the performance analysis of a five-level inverter with variable loads is highlighted in this paper. This topology has fewer devices than traditional multilevel inverters for the same five output levels, which makes it more affordable due to lesser driver circuits. The proposed modular five level topology is simulated using both high frequencies switching pulse width modulation and basic frequency switching modulation techniques. The output voltage, current waveform, and THD are examined and compared using Simulink to confirm the viability of the modular multilevel inverter topology.

Keywords

• five-level
• matlab-simulink
• multilevel inverter
• photovoltaic
• total harmonic distortion

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