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This paper presents a module for single-phase multilevel inverter topology. The proposed module generates maximum 21-level bipolar output voltage with asymmetric sources without H-bridge. This results in reduction in filter cost and size. The module can be cascaded for high voltage applications. The same arrangement of voltage source magnitudes in first module is maintained in the remaining cascaded modules. The proposed topology is suitable for the applications like electric vehicle and emergency services like residences and hospitality industries, etc. A set of comparisons between the proposed and recently published topologies are provided to differentiate between them. The topology is simulated and verified in MATLAB/SIMULINK. A hardware prototype is developed in the laboratory for experimental confirmation with various conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The huge untapped energy from ocean waves is one of the ideal solutions for world energy crisis. This paper proposes a linear-generator-based direct power conversion plant model to generate the electrical energy from ocean waves. The linear generator output is of variable magnitude and variable frequency in nature. In this paper, this variable output is converted to fixed dc voltage by using a diode bridge rectifier and a dc-link capacitor. The linear generator along with a diode bridge and a capacitor forms a wave power unit. These wave power units can be connected in series and parallel to meet the power ratings. A reliable multilevel inverter is fed from the wave power units to ensure uninterrupted tapping of power from this abundant renewable energy source. The reliable inverter operation is analyzed under open- and short-circuit faults in switches by reconfiguring the carrier waves of sine pulsewidth modulation during fault conditions. A fault detection algorithm using a single sensor at the output is also proposed to detect the faults in the switches of the proposed reliable inverter. The proposed plant model with a linear generator and a reliable inverter is simulated using ANSYS MAXWELL and MATLAB/Simulink. The plant model is tested using a programmable ac source for emulating the linear generator and the developed prototype of the diode bridge rectifier and the reliable multilevel inverter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents simplified techniques for the space vector modulation (SVM) of any n-level multilevel inverter. Three techniques have been presented to simplify the identification of the nearest three vectors to the reference vector. The first two techniques are based on resolving the multilevel inverter space vector diagram into appropriate two-level hexagons. This results in simplification of the multilevel SVM problem into a two-level SVM problem. The third technique is an algorithm-based technique which makes use of a 60°-spaced gh coordinate system to perform the SVM of a multilevel inverter. Switching sequence design for all the three techniques is presented with the aim of minimization of the device switching frequency. Simulation and experimental results have been provided to verify the feasibility of the proposed techniques. Simulation results are provided for up to 21-level cascaded H-bridge (CHB) inverters, while the experimental verification is done on a five-level laboratory prototype. Although only the CHB inverter is considered in this study, the proposed techniques are perfectly general and can be applied to all types of multilevel inverters, and are extendable to any number of levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a simplified nearest level control balancing method for modular multilevel converter is presented. The proposed method neither requires individual sorting of the submodule voltages nor the redundancy of the switching states. Once the sorting of the submodules is done on the basis of the number of the submodules to be switched on, the identifications of the submodules can be carried out throughout the stages of the implementation of the this method. The proposed method also does not require the individual submodule status in the gate pulse generation stage. The gate logic in the presented method can be implemented with the help of the switching states of the voltage levels. Those simplifications and removing of the some of the stages by the proposed balancing method may ease and lead to the less processor time at the implementation level. The pictorial presentation further helps in consolidating the understanding of the different stages of the method. Rigorous simulations are carried out for open and one of the prominent closed-loop applications, i.e., modular multilevel converter-based high-voltage direct current to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed simplified balancing method under normal and emergency conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An isolated four channel dc/dc converter with zero voltage switching is proposed as the front-end of multiple inverter structures to integrate renewable and other low voltage energy sources to micro grids. The interleaving technique is adopted to connect each module of proposed converter to a common dc source. This dc source can be a fuel cell stack, PV panels, battery, or any other low voltage dc source. All four channels are interleaved and a phase shift of $90^{\circ }$ is provided between the gate signals of each channels, which reduces the input current ripple. The output port of the proposed converter provide four isolated and regulated dc voltages. These isolated dc sources can be connected in series or parallel or series-parallel manner to obtain required dc-link voltage of various inverter structure. Issues like capacitor voltage balancing of diode clamped multilevel inverters can overcome through the proposed converter. By incorporating a coupled inductor for isolation and energy storage along with voltage multiplier circuit, the proposed converter can achieve higher voltage step up with lower turns ratio and lower voltage stress at moderate duty ratio. Hence, mosfets of low voltage rating (low $R_{DS}(\text{ON})$ ) can be utilized to reduce conduction loss. A 2 kW prototype of the proposed interleaved dc/dc converter is developed and tested with diode clamped three-level inverter, five-level inverter, and three-phase two-level inverter to verify the design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel approach to improve the power factor (PF) and reduce the harmonics generated by an adjustable-speed drive (ASD). A high-frequency (HF) current injection technique is used to improve the PF and harmonic performance. The HF current at the same switching frequency (33 kHz) is injected into the input of a front-end rectifier from the output of an HF inverter. The main feature of the circuit is that it does not require any additional active devices for current injection. The inverter driving the induction motor is operated using a sinusoidal pulsewidth-modulation technique. The circuit simulation and experimental prototype results are presented for 67-hp (50 kW) and 3-hp three-phase induction motors, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]