A recent study led by Anand Kumar Thangapandi from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology in India has introduced a groundbreaking approach to multilevel inverters (MLIs) that could significantly enhance renewable energy systems. Published in ‘Heliyon’, this research focuses on a high-gain, single-source MLI designed specifically for applications like solar and wind power.
Multilevel inverters are essential for renewable energy systems due to their ability to produce high-quality output with low total harmonic distortion (THD). The innovative design presented in this study achieves a remarkable voltage-boosting factor, doubling the output voltage while using only a single DC source. By employing a configuration of just 10 power switches and three switched capacitors, the inverter can generate thirteen distinct voltage levels without the need for bulky DC-DC converters or transformers.
One of the key advancements highlighted in the study is the self-balancing nature of the capacitors, which eliminates the requirement for additional sensors. This not only simplifies the design but also enhances the system’s reliability. The study investigates both symmetric and asymmetric configurations, ultimately demonstrating that the proposed inverter design reduces the total standing voltage (TSV) while achieving high gain.
A particularly noteworthy feature of this research is the implementation of a selective harmonic removal technique utilizing artificial neural networks (ANNs). This innovative approach has been shown to reduce THD by as much as 6.07%, making the inverter’s output cleaner and more efficient. “The proposed system’s benefits, such as gain factor, total standing voltage (TSV), and minimized device count, are assessed,” Thangapandi stated, emphasizing the comprehensive evaluation of the design’s advantages.
The commercial implications of this research are significant. With an efficiency rating of 96.9%, the inverter could help reduce costs and improve the performance of renewable energy systems, making them more attractive to both consumers and businesses. The reduced component count and simplified design could lead to lower manufacturing costs and easier installation processes, presenting a compelling opportunity for energy companies looking to adopt advanced inverter technologies.
The validation of this innovative design through experimental prototypes and simulations in MATLAB/SIMULINK further reinforces its potential for real-world applications. As the energy sector continues to shift towards cleaner and more efficient technologies, this research positions itself at the forefront of advancements in multilevel inverter technology.
For more information about Anand Kumar Thangapandi’s work, visit Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology.
