A Direct-Connected Hybrid Cascaded Multilevel Inverter Topology

Cascaded multilevel inverter topologies have received great attention specially in the PV-grid connection. This paper proposed a cascaded multilevel inverter topology to be used for numerous applications such as renewable energy grid connection, static VAR compensation, active power filters, etc. it is based on combination two conventional cascaded multilevel inverter topologies. Higher number of voltage levels can be generated from the proposed topology with reducing the components count. In addition, the voltage stress on switches are reduced and the total harmonic distortion of the generated voltages and currents are reduced compared to the conventional multilevel inverter topologies. The verification of the proposed topology is demonstrated using SIMULINK environment. In order to validate the good performance of the extension configuration as well as the accurately control, it is practically built in the lab. Data acquisition and control is achieved by using MicroLabBox real time controller. The proposed configuration and its related proposed control scheme are experimentally tested under resistive load. Simulation and experimental results prove the good functionality of the proposed topology and its advantages over the conventional topologies.