Switch Minimization Strategies for Efficient Multilevel Inverters in Renewable Energy

This paper presents a MATLAB-based simulation analysis of a five-level multilevel inverter utilizing a reduced switch topology. The proposed inverter features 5 power switches, 1 diode, and 2 symmetrical DC voltage sources, designed to enhance power conversion efficiency and minimize system complexity. Traditional five-level inverters typically require 8 power switches, leading to increased costs and switching losses. The proposed topology significantly reduces the number of components, resulting in improved operational efficiency while maintaining comparable output performance. The efficiency of the proposed inverter is demonstrated through detailed simulations, achieving 96.92% under nominal operating conditions. This high efficiency is attributed to the optimized switch configuration, which reduces conduction and switching losses. In contrast, conventional topologies with 8 power switches exhibit lower efficiency due to their higher component count and associated losses. The proposed converter is particularly suited for renewable energy applications, where cost-efficiency, reliability, and energy conservation are critical. The study highlights the inverter's potential to improve the performance of solar photovoltaic and wind energy systems by providing a more efficient and cost-effective power conversion solution. Overall, the reduced switch design offers a promising alternative for enhancing efficiency in renewable energy-based multilevel inverter systems.