A new asymmetric dual source multilevel inverter topology with reduced power switches

Multilevel inverters can synthesize a high-voltage staircase waveform with low- and medium-voltage components. A new multilevel inverter topology called Asymmetric Dual Source Multilevel Inverter (ADS-MLI) is proposed. When compared to the topologies found in the literature, it can produce multiple levels in the output voltage with fewer power switches. Most of the topologies found in the literature require cascading features to achieve asymmetric operation; but the ADS-MLI can operate without the need for cascading. A simulation prototype capable of synthesizing 13 levels is developed in MATLAB Simulink environment. Its performance is evaluated in the aspects of; number of switching components, efficiency, THD, switching voltage stress and common mode voltage. The simulated efficiency and power quality of the DS-MLI is validated using a 1 kW prototype fabricated using FGA25N120-ANTD controlled by FPGA-SPARTAN 6 processor. Further, the DS-MLI is field tested with a 1 kW solar PV unit and the results are presented.