Design and loss analysis of LCL filter inductors for two-level and three-level inverters

Grid connected inverters with LCL output filters are widely used in exporting energy generated from renewable energy sources. The LCL filter and inductors used in this filter has important effect on inverter performance. Although it is different in high power levels nowadays, powder cores are commonly used in inductor design in low and medium power levels. In this study, inductors for LCL filter of the grid-connected inverter are designed. The co-simulation studies are performed and performance and losses of the designed filter is analyzed for two-level and three-level inverter topologies. It is seen that, total losses of the LCL filter of three-phase three-level inverter is 35.9% lower than two-level inverter.