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Journal Article•DOI•

A Generalized Cascaded Multilevel Inverter Using Series Connection of Submultilevel Inverters

01 Feb 2013-IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics (IEEE)-Vol. 28, Iss: 2, pp 625-636
TL;DR: In this article, a new topology for sub-multilevel inverter is proposed and then series connection of the sub-multipliers is proposed as a generalized multi-level inverter.
Abstract: Application of multilevel inverters for higher power purposes in industries has become more popular. This is partly because of high-quality output waveform of multilevel inverters in comparison with two-level inverters. In this paper, initially a new topology for submultilevel inverter is proposed and then series connection of the submultilevel inverters is proposed as a generalized multilevel inverter. The proposed multilevel inverter uses reduced number of switching devices. Special attention has been paid to obtain optimal structures regarding different criteria such as number of switches, standing voltage on the switches, number of dc voltage sources, etc. The proposed multilevel inverter has been analyzed in both symmetric and asymmetric conditions. The validity of the proposed multilevel inverter is verified with both computer simulations using PSCAD/EMTDC software and laboratory prototype implementation.
Citations
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Journal Article•DOI•
TL;DR: In this article, some of the recently proposed multilevel inverter topologies with reduced power switch count are reviewed and analyzed, both in terms of the qualitative and quantitative parameters.
Abstract: Multilevel inverters have created a new wave of interest in industry and research. While the classical topologies have proved to be a viable alternative in a wide range of high-power medium-voltage applications, there has been an active interest in the evolution of newer topologies. Reduction in overall part count as compared to the classical topologies has been an important objective in the recently introduced topologies. In this paper, some of the recently proposed multilevel inverter topologies with reduced power switch count are reviewed and analyzed. The paper will serve as an introduction and an update to these topologies, both in terms of the qualitative and quantitative parameters. Also, it takes into account the challenges which arise when an attempt is made to reduce the device count. Based on a detailed comparison of these topologies as presented in this paper, appropriate multilevel solution can be arrived at for a given application.

890 citations

Journal Article•DOI•
TL;DR: Reduction in the number of power switches, driver circuits, and dc voltage sources is the advantage of the developed single-phase cascaded multilevel inverter, and the installation space and cost of the inverter are reduced.
Abstract: In this paper, a new single-phase cascaded multilevel inverter is proposed. This inverter is comprised of a series connection of the proposed basic unit and is able to only generate positive levels at the output. Therefore, an H-bridge is added to the proposed inverter. This inverter is called the developed cascaded multilevel inverter. In order to generate all voltage levels (even and odd) at the output, four different algorithms are proposed to determine the magnitude of dc voltage sources. Reduction in the number of power switches, driver circuits, and dc voltage sources is the advantage of the developed single-phase cascaded multilevel inverter. As a result, the installation space and cost of the inverter are reduced. These features are obtained by the comparison of the conventional cascaded multilevel inverters with the proposed cascaded topology. The ability of the proposed inverter to generate all voltage levels (even and odd) is reconfirmed by using the experimental results of a 15-level inverter.

444 citations

Journal Article•DOI•
TL;DR: Two new topologies are proposed for multilevel inverters that reduce the number of switches and isolated dc voltage sources, the variety of the dc voltage source values, and the size and cost of the system in comparison with the conventional topologies.
Abstract: In this paper, two new topologies are proposed for multilevel inverters. The proposed topologies consist of a combination of the conventional series and the switched capacitor inverter units. The proposed topologies reduce the number of switches and isolated dc voltage sources, the variety of the dc voltage source values, and the size and cost of the system in comparison with the conventional topologies. In addition, the proposed topologies can double the input voltage without a transformer. There is no need for complicated methods to balance the capacitor voltage. The simulation and experimental results of single-phase 25- and 17-level inverters are given to prove the correct operation of the proposed topologies.

389 citations

Journal Article•DOI•
TL;DR: The performance and functional accuracy of the proposed topology using the new algorithm in generating all voltage levels for a 31-level inverter are confirmed by simulation and experimental results.
Abstract: In this paper, a new general cascaded multilevel inverter using developed H-bridges is proposed. The proposed topology requires a lesser number of dc voltage sources and power switches and consists of lower blocking voltage on switches, which results in decreased complexity and total cost of the inverter. These abilities obtained within comparing the proposed topology with the conventional topologies from aforementioned points of view. Moreover, a new algorithm to determine the magnitude of dc voltage sources is proposed. The performance and functional accuracy of the proposed topology using the new algorithm in generating all voltage levels for a 31-level inverter are confirmed by simulation and experimental results.

340 citations


Additional excerpts

  • ...The magnitudes of the dc voltage sources of the proposed 31-level inverter are recommended as follows: VL,1 =Vdc (19) VR,1 =2Vdc (20) VL,2 =5Vdc (21) VR,2 =10Vdc. (22) The proposed inverter can generate all negative and positive voltage levels from 0 to 15Vdc with steps of Vdc....

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Journal Article•DOI•
TL;DR: This paper presents a new E-type module for asymmetrical multilevel inverters (MLIs) with reduced components that makes some preferable features with a better quality than similar modules such as the low number of semiconductors and dc sources and low switching frequency.
Abstract: This paper presents a new E-type module for asymmetrical multilevel inverters (MLIs) with reduced components. Each module produces 13 levels with four unequal dc sources and 10 switches. The design of the proposed module makes some preferable features with a better quality than similar modules such as the low number of semiconductors and dc sources and low switching frequency. Also, this module is able to create a negative level without any additional circuit such as an H-bridge, which causes reduction of voltage stress on switches. Cascade connection of the proposed structure leads to a modular topology with more levels and higher voltages. Selective harmonics elimination pulse width modulation (SHE-PWM) scheme is used to achieve high-quality output voltage with lower harmonics. MATLAB simulations and practical results are presented to validate the proposed module good performance. Module output voltage satisfies harmonics standard (IEEE519) without any filter in output.

268 citations


Cites background from "A Generalized Cascaded Multilevel I..."

  • ...Other MLI topologies are proposed in [16] and [17], which are shown in Fig....

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References
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Journal Article•DOI•
TL;DR: The most important topologies like diode-clamped inverter (neutral-point clamped), capacitor-Clamped (flying capacitor), and cascaded multicell with separate DC sources are presented and the circuit topology options are presented.
Abstract: Multilevel inverter technology has emerged recently as a very important alternative in the area of high-power medium-voltage energy control. This paper presents the most important topologies like diode-clamped inverter (neutral-point clamped), capacitor-clamped (flying capacitor), and cascaded multicell with separate DC sources. Emerging topologies like asymmetric hybrid cells and soft-switched multilevel inverters are also discussed. This paper also presents the most relevant control and modulation methods developed for this family of converters: multilevel sinusoidal pulsewidth modulation, multilevel selective harmonic elimination, and space-vector modulation. Special attention is dedicated to the latest and more relevant applications of these converters such as laminators, conveyor belts, and unified power-flow controllers. The need of an active front end at the input side for those inverters supplying regenerative loads is also discussed, and the circuit topology options are also presented. Finally, the peripherally developing areas such as high-voltage high-power devices and optical sensors and other opportunities for future development are addressed.

6,472 citations


"A Generalized Cascaded Multilevel I..." refers background in this paper

  • ...I. INTRODUCTION MULTILEVEL inverters include an array of power semi-conductors and dc voltage sources, the output of which generate voltages with stepped waveforms [1]....

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01 Jan 1980
TL;DR: In this article, a neutral-point-clamped PWM inverter composed of main switching devices which operate as switches for PWM and auxiliary switching devices to clamp the output terminal potential to the neutral point potential has been developed.
Abstract: A new neutral-point-clamped pulsewidth modulation (PWM) inverter composed of main switching devices which operate as switches for PWM and auxiliary switching devices to clamp the output terminal potential to the neutral point potential has been developed. This inverter output contains less harmonic content as compared with that of a conventional type. Two inverters are compared analytically and experimentally. In addition, a new PWM technique suitable for an ac drive system is applied to this inverter. The neutral-point-clamped PWM inverter adopting the new PWM technique shows an excellent drive system efficiency, including motor efficiency, and is appropriate for a wide-range variable-speed drive system.

4,432 citations

Journal Article•DOI•
TL;DR: The neutral-point-clamped PWM inverter adopting the new PWM technique shows an excellent drive system efficiency, including motor efficiency, and is appropriate for a wide-range variable-speed drive system.
Abstract: A new neutral-point-clamped pulsewidth modulation (PWM) inverter composed of main switching devices which operate as switches for PWM and auxiliary switching devices to clamp the output terminal potential to the neutral point potential has been developed. This inverter output contains less harmonic content as compared with that of a conventional type. Two inverters are compared analytically and experimentally. In addition, a new PWM technique suitable for an ac drive system is applied to this inverter. The neutral-point-clamped PWM inverter adopting the new PWM technique shows an excellent drive system efficiency, including motor efficiency, and is appropriate for a wide-range variable-speed drive system.

4,328 citations


"A Generalized Cascaded Multilevel I..." refers background in this paper

  • ...The NPC multilevel inverter, also called diode-clamped, can be considered the first generation of multilevel inverter introduced by Nabae et al. [6] which was a three-level inverter....

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Proceedings Article•DOI•
23 Jun 2003
TL;DR: In this article, a new multilevel converter topology suitable for very high voltage applications, especially network interties in power generation and transmission, is presented, and a suitable structure of the converter-control is proposed.
Abstract: This paper presents a new multilevel converter topology suitable for very high voltage applications, especially network interties in power generation and transmission. The fundamental concept and the applied control scheme is introduced. Simulation results of a 36 MW-network intertie illustrate the efficient operating characteristics. A suitable structure of the converter-control is proposed.

2,806 citations


"A Generalized Cascaded Multilevel I..." refers background in this paper

  • ...Many other multilevel inverter topologies have been introduced in recent years....

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Book•
21 May 1993
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an overview of three-phase transformers and their application in DC-DC Converters, including the following: 1. Power Semiconductor Diodes and Circuits 2. Power Transistors 3. Diode Rectifiers 4. Power Supplies. 5. DC Drives.
Abstract: 1. Introduction. 2. Power Semiconductor Diodes and Circuits. 3. Diode Rectifiers. 4. Power Transistors. 5. DC-DC Converters. 6. Pulse-width Modulated Inverters. 7. Thyristors. 8. Resonant Pulse Inverters. 9. Multilevel Inverters. 10. Controlled Rectifiers. 11. AC Voltage Controllers. 12. Static Switches. 13. Flexible AC Transmission Systems. 14. Power Supplies. 15. DC Drives. 16. AC Drives. 17. Gate Drive Circuits. 18. Protection of Devices and Circuits. Appendices: Three-phase Circuits, Magnetic Circuits, Switching Functions of Converters, DC Transient Analysis, Fourier Analysis, Thyristor Commutation Techniques, Data Sheets.

2,055 citations