Five-Level Switched-Capacitor Based F-Type Inverter

Switched capacitor inverters with voltage-boosting capability are suitable for use in photovoltaic systems. This paper proposes an F-type inverter based on switched capacitor cells. This inverter has eight switches, two diodes, and two capacitors in its structure and can produce five-level voltage at its output. In the proposed inverter, an inductor is used in the inverter structure to attenuate the inrush currents caused by capacitor charging. It should be noted that for the three-phase version of this inverter, only one inductor can be sufficient. The inverter structure and the level-shifted pulse width modulation method are examined. Calculations related to the capacitors and inductors are performed. Also, a comparative study between the proposed inverter and its counterpart is performed. Experimental results are presented that indicate the correct operation of the inverter.