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com
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RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS

Multilevel Inverters: Literature Survey – Topologies, Control

Techniques & Applications of Renewable Energy Sources - Grid
Integration

Er. Mamatha Sandhu *, Dr.Tilak Thakur **

*(Department of Electrical Engineering, Chitkara University, Punjab Campus, Rajpura-01, India)
** (Department of Electrical Engineering, PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh-12, India)

ABSTRACT
Multilevel inverters are in favor of academia as well as industry in the recent decade for high-power and
medium-voltage applications. In addition, they can synthesize switched waveforms with lower levels of
harmonic distortion compared to a two-level converter. Multilevel converters have received increased interest
recently as a result of their ability to generate high quality output waveforms with a low switching frequency;
the multilevel concept is used to decrease the harmonic distortion in the output waveform without decreasing the
inverter power output. This paper presents a review on most important topologies, control techniques of
multilevel inverters and also the applications powered by multilevel inverters which are becoming an enabling
technology in many industrial and research areas.
Keywords - Multilevel inverter, Neutral point clamped, CHB, FACTS and Renewable energy sources.

I. INTRODUCTION II. MULTILEVEL INVERTER-

In recent years, multilevel inverters have gained OPOLOGIES AND CONTROL
popularity with medium and high power ratings. TECHNIQUES
Renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic, 2.1 DIODE CLAMPED INVERTER
wind, and fuel cells can be interfaced to a multilevel Effective control technique for medium-
converter system [1]. Many multilevel converter voltage high-power induction motor fed by cascaded
topologies have been proposed during the last two neutral-point-clamped inverter [3]. [4], five/nine-
decades. Research has engaged novel converter level twelve-switch inverter for three-phase high-
topologies and unique modulation schemes. The three speed electric machines having a low per-unit
types of multilevel converter structures reported in leakage reactance is described. [5], used a new
the literature are: cascaded H-bridge converter with single-inductor multi-output dc/dc converter that can
separate dc sources, diode clamped (neutral- control the dc-link voltages of a single-phase diode-
clamped), and flying capacitors (capacitor clamped). clamped inverter asymmetrically to achieve voltage
Modulation techniques and control paradigms have quality enhancement. [6], comparative analysis
been developed for multilevel converters such as between the classical structure of Neutral Point
sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM), Clamped (NPC) and the emerging Active NPC
selective harmonic elimination (SHE-PWM), space converters. [7], DC bus short circuit protection is
vector modulation (SVM), and others. Many, usually done using the sensed voltage across collector
multilevel converter applications include industrial and emitter (i.e., VCE sensing), of all the devices in a
medium-voltage motor drives, renewable energy leg. [8], introduced a new nine-level active neutral
systems with utility interface, flexible AC point- clamped (9L ANPC) converter for the grid
transmission system (FACTS), and traction drive connection of large wind turbines (WTs) to improve
systems. The common multilevel converter the waveform quality of the converter output voltage
topologies are the neutral-point-clamped converter and current. [9], investigations of dc-link voltages
(NPC), flying capacitor converter (FC) and Cascade balance with the use of a passive RLC circuit in a
H-Bridge (CHB) have developed from last two single-phase diode clamped inverter composed of
decades. Multilevel inverters are best for medium and two three-level legs. [10], three-level active neutral
high power applications [2]. point- clamped zero-current-transition (3L-ANPC
ZCT) converter for the sustainable energy power
conversion systems. [11], new modulation techniques
for three-phase transformer less neutral point
clamped inverters to eliminate leakage currents in

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photovoltaic systems without requiring any stabilization of the input DC voltages of five level
modification on the multilevel inverter.[12], flying capacitors (FLFC) voltage source inverters
comparison between three level diode neutral-point- (VSI). A feedback control algorithm of the rectifier is
clamped zero-current transition (DNPC-3L ZCT) proposed. [26], an experimental photovoltaic (PV)
inverter and three-level active neutral-point clamped power conditioning system with line connection in
zero-current-transition (ANPC-3L ZCT) inverter, which the conditioner consists of a flying capacitors
with respect to switching energy, volume, as well as multi-cell inverter fed by a dc-dc boost converter is
parasitic inductance influence, the topologies are carried out. [27], two active capacitor voltage
compared. balancing schemes are proposed for single-phase (H-
bridge) flying-capacitor multilevel converters, based
2.2 CASCADED MULTILEVEL INVERTER on equations of flying capacitor converters. The
[13], Cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter methods are effective on capacitor voltage regulation
can be implemented using only a single dc power in flying-capacitor multilevel converters.
source and capacitors.[14], cascaded H-bridge
multilevel boost inverter for electric vehicle (EV) and 2.4 SINUSOIDAL PWM
hybrid EV (HEV) applications implemented without [28], multicarrier sub-harmonic pulse width
the use of inductors. [15], new feedback control modulation (PWM), called disposition band carrier
strategy for balancing individual dc capacitor and phase-shifted carrier PWM (DBC-PSC-PWM),
voltages in a three-phase cascade multilevel inverter- method is developed to produce output voltage levels
based static synchronous compensator. [16], single- of (n ×m + 1) and to improve the output voltage
phase cascaded H-bridge converter for a grid- harmonic spectrum with a wide output frequency
connected photovoltaic (PV) application. The range. [29], carrier-based closed-loop control
independent control of each dc link voltage, for the technique has been developed to reduce the switching
tracking of the maximum power point of each string losses based on insertion of ‗no switching‘ zone
of PV panels is carried out. [17], direct torque control within each half cycle of fundamental wave. [30],
(DTC) scheme for electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid five-level pulse width modulation inverter
EVs using hybrid cascaded H-bridge multilevel configuration, including chopper circuits as DC
motor drive based on DTC operating principles is current-power source circuits using small smoothing
implemented.[18], generalized multiband hysteresis inductors, is verified through computer simulations
modulation and its characterization have been and experimental tests. [31], designed a seven-level
proposed for the sliding-mode control of cascaded H- flying capacitor multilevel inverter by using
bridge multilevel-inverter (CHBMLI)-controlled sinusoidal pulse width modulation technique. [32],
systems. [19], symmetric hybrid multilevel addressed a modified Sinusoidal Pulse Width
topologies are introduced for both single- and three- Modulation (SPWM) modulator with phase
phase medium-voltage high power systems. [20], the disposition that increases output waveform up to 7-
impacts of the connected load to the cascaded H- level while reducing output harmonics.[33], pulse-
bridge converter as well as the switching angles on width modulation (PWM) for single-phase five-level
the voltage regulation of the capacitors are studied. inverter via field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is
[21], used a new topology of a cascaded multilevel carried out.
converter based on a cascaded connection of single-
phase sub multilevel converter units and full-bridge 2.5. SPACE VECTOR PWM
converters then, the structure is optimized. [34], two discontinuous multilevel space
vector modulation (SVM) techniques are
2.3 FLYING CAPACITOR MULTILEVEL implemented for DVR control to reduce inverter
INVERTER switching losses maintaining virtually the same
[22], mathematical analyses of the balancing harmonic performance as the conventional multilevel
process in boost and buck–boost converters and SVM for high number of levels. [35], two carrier-
investigations of voltage sharing stabilization with based modulation techniques for a dual two-level
the use of passive RLC circuit in switch-mode flying inverter with power sharing capability and proper
capacitor dc–dc converters are presented. [23], multilevel voltage waveforms were introduced. Their
topology of flying capacitor multilevel converter main advantage is a simpler implementation
which has several terminals of different dc voltage compared to SVM. [36], focused a novel 3-D space
and an ac voltage terminal proposed to utilize the modulation technique with voltage balancing
topology as an integrated power conversion capability for a cascaded seven-level rectifier stage of
module.[24], control strategy of flying capacitors SST.
multilevel inverters. The analysis of the permissible
switching states, especially the possibility of the
multiple commutations is carried out. [25], the

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2.6 SHE-PWM bridge rectifier with a boost converter dc–dc stage at

A method to obtain initial values for the the generator side is proposed [47].
SHE-PWM equations according to the reference In this, boost converter performs the MPPT of the
modulation index M and the initial phase angle of generator side, whereas the NPC regulates active and
output fundamental voltage is investigated reactive power. The boost naturally elevates the
thoroughly. [37], the elimination of harmonics in a voltage, which is suitable for Medium Voltage
cascade multilevel inverter by considering the non- operation of the NPC. The main advantage over the
equality of separated dc sources by using particle back-to-back NPC is a simple, low-cost, and reliable
swarm optimization is presented. [38], new front end with the expense of current harmonics at
formulation of selective harmonic elimination pulse the generator side and lower dynamic performance.
width modulation (SHE-PWM) technique suitable for
cascaded multilevel inverters with optimized DC
voltage levels. [39], neutral point voltage control
strategy for the three-level active neutral point
clamped (ANPC) converter using selective harmonic
elimination pulse width modulation (SHE-PWM).
[40], a control strategy is proposed to regulate the
voltage across the FCs at their respective reference
Fig 1 Back-to-back NPC power converter for PMSG based
voltage levels by swapping the switching patterns of variable - speed wind turbine.
the switches based on the polarity of the output
current, the polarity of the FC voltage, and the The Cascaded H Bridge on the other side requires
polarity of the fundamental line-to-neutral voltage multiple isolated dc sources, and therefore, its
under selective harmonic elimination pulse width application is not straight forward. But, some
modulation. [43], suggested a novel space vector interesting concepts based on rectifiers fed from
modulation (SVM) technique for a three-level five- independent generator stator windings of a
phase inverter, based on an optimized five vectors permanent-magnet synchronous generator have been
concept. proposed, with each one rectified and used to provide
the dc source for each H-bridge of the CHB converter
2.7 SPACE VECTOR CONTROL [48].With the increase in the number of levels of the
[41], switching strategy for multilevel converter will allow lower switching frequency
cascade inverters, based on the space-vector theory. operation, improving grid side power control
The proposed switching strategy generates a voltage performance and grid code compliance without
vector with very low harmonic distortion and reduced filters. However, due to the reduction in the cost of
switching frequency. [42], PWM technique for photovoltaic modules (among other factors); grid-
induction motor drives involving six concentric connected photovoltaic power plants are consistently
dodecagonal space vector structures is proposed. increasing in power rating mainly now, hundreds of
[43], novel space vector modulation (SVM) large photovoltaic-based power plants over 10 MW
technique for a three-level five-phase inverter is [49], are operating, and even more are under
based on an optimized five vectors concept. [44], development. In addition, one of the fastest
switching strategy for multilevel cascade inverters, developing renewable energy sources in the last years
based on the space-vector theory. The proposed high- is photovoltaic grid-connected systems [50].
performance strategy generates a voltage vector
across the load with minimum error with respect to Centralized and multistring configurations are used
the sinusoidal reference. with a central dc–ac converter that interfaces the
power to the grid, for large photovoltaic power
III.APPLICATION-RES-GRID plants. With more demand of grid code requirements
INTEGRATION for photovoltaic systems, multilevel topologies
A permanent-magnet synchronous generator become more attractive. In [51], has been proposed a
wind turbine as shown in Fig.1 is a simplified dc–ac converter stage in a multistring photovoltaic
diagram of a 3L-NPC back-to-back configuration. configuration, in which a five-level converter is
The gearbox can be avoided by electromechanically formed by a three-level H-bridge with a bidirectional
achieving the speed conversion between the low- switch arrangement that can clamp two additional
speed rotor shaft (about 15 r/min) and the grid levels to the output. In [52]–[53], Cascaded H Bridge
frequency (usually 50 or 60 Hz), for multi-pole based grid interfaces are proposed with their
generators. The hybrid 5L-ANPC been proposed in respective control scheme.
back-to-back configuration in [45 - 46]. The use of a
3L-NPC at the grid side and a three-phase diode full-

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Fig 3. Back-to-back ANPC doubly fed induction generator/motor

for hydro pumped energy storage application

A simplified overview of a hydro-pumped energy

storage system is illustrated in Fig. 3. The system
uses a reversible Francis hydro-pump or turbine that
can be used for either water pumping or generation.
These systems are usually operated at fixed speed
with synchronous motor or generator due to their
high power rating. In a doubly fed induction
generator, with a partially rated converter
interconnecting the rotor to the grid a small percent
Fig 2.Multilevel-converter-based photovoltaic grid-connected
of variable-speed operation above or below
systems. (a) CHB based. (b) NPC based. synchronous speed can improve efficiency at
different load and operating conditions; thus, can
Fig.2 (a) and (b) shows a CHB-based and an NPC- provide a percentage of variable speed for a much
based multilevel multistring photovoltaic topology higher power rated pump or turbine [54].To enhance
respectively. The series connection of the H-bridge the controllability and the power transfer capability
makes CHB very impressive, as the strings naturally of the network, Flexible AC Transmission Systems
elevate the voltage, eliminating the need for a boost (FACTS) have been introduced as the solution.
stage or step-up transformer. Enabling a reduction in Different technologies that are considered as FACTS
the average device switching frequency, it increases are AFs, static compensators (STATCOM), dynamic
the apparent switching frequency of the total voltage restorers (DVRs), unified power flow
converter waveform. The higher amount of voltage controllers (UPFCs), and unified power quality
levels produces an intrinsic reduction of all the conditioners. All these systems can, in one way or
harmonics, which reduces the need for grid side another, provide instantaneous and variable reactive
filters, along with the efficiency improvement. A power compensation in response to grid voltage
trend clearly shows an exponential growth of grid transients (voltage sag, swell, harmonics, etc.),
tied photovoltaic systems, compared with the enhancing the grid voltage stability [55],These
evolution of the stand-alone technology due to devices (AF, STATCOMs, DVRs, and UPFCs) are
improved efficiency (no losses in energy storage and currently gaining importance due to more demanding
additional converter stages). A recent application of grid codes [56], which even require low voltage-ride-
multilevel converters is hydro-pumped energy through capability during voltage sags. Several
storage. A large-scale energy storage system in which multilevel converter applications for these systems
water is pumped from a lake, river, or even ocean to a have been proposed, the CHB and NPC topologies
higher located reservoir; at the time of requirement seem to be the most suited for STATCOM
and the same water is used for hydropower applications.
generation. Hydro-pumped storage is especially
useful for nuclear power plants since the reactor
operation level cannot abruptly be changed, and
during low power demand, the excess energy can be
used to pump water to the reservoir. It can also be
applied for wind power plants, when the wind energy
surpasses the consumption demand.
In the high-power-demand period (peak hours), water
from the reservoir is used to generate the additional
Fig 4. Nine-level asymmetric fed CHB class-D digital audio
required energy also. Amplifier.

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3.1. OTHER APPLICATIONS applications will be enabled by this technology, due

Class-D digital audio power amplifiers are to more grid codes, continued increase in power
not in the high-power and medium-voltage range, the demand of the applications, increasing development
improved power quality (mainly reduced THD) and of power semiconductors, and the benefits of
the possibility of reaching higher apparent switching multilevel technology. In this respect, the application
frequencies, without increasing the average device of multilevel converters to FACTS systems is very
switching frequency, have led to the research lines to promising. For, a distributed generation system
apply multilevel technology in this field [57]–[59]. involving multiple energy sources and networks of
Here, the cascaded topologies, particularly the different voltage levels, multilevel voltage source
Cascaded H Bridge fed with unequal dc sources, converters can effectively be used as a power
seem more attractive since they can easily reach a management system. ng system may be installed
high number of levels (less THD), improving audio instead of storage system.
quality while facilitating high-frequency filtering.
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