ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Energy Res., 04 December 2024

Sec. Sustainable Energy Systems

Volume 12 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2024.1498514

Design and implementation of a PV-tied effective inverter with high reliability and low THD for distribution-grid applications

  • School of Electrical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India

Abstract

Research has focused on multilevel inverters (MLIs) due to their use in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and industrial applications. This paper proposes a new design for a single-phase 21-level asymmetrical MLI for photovoltaic (PV) applications that reduces the number of components, voltage stress, and overall size and cost. Enhanced incremental maximum power point tracking (EINC-MPPT) is used in the PV standalone system to offer a fast dynamic response, track maximum power, and regulate the PV module output voltage. This paper presents a PV-boost DC–DC single-input multi-output (SIMO) converter linked to solar panels to provide supply voltage to the inverter. A level-shifted constant multicarrier sinusoidal pulse width modulation (LSCMSPWM) technique is used to produce a better-synthesized output waveform from the MLI, resulting in low total harmonic distortion (THD) and also meeting IEEE standards. The suggested MLI is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and tested with a hardware prototype under various load conditions. It is suitable for medium-power and grid-connected renewable energy systems applications. The qualitative and quantitative parameters of the proposed MLI have been evaluated by cost function (CF), number of components, reliability, THD, and total standing voltage (TSV); these parameters are compared with the existing MLIs.

1 Introduction

1.1 Background and motivation

Renewable energy sources are becoming more popular. Environmental consciousness and global energy use are increasing. In contrast, natural resources such as gas, coal, and oil are finite and rapidly depleting (). Given the limited availability of these resources, it is now necessary to explore alternative energy sources (). Surprisingly, the extensive use of solar energy is leading to growing concerns about the quality, dependability, and coordination of the power grid (). To ensure the safe and reliable use of photovoltaic (PV) energy, various countries have established different grid codes (). MLIs are increasingly using PV systems as their primary energy source (). Multilevel inverters (MLIs) have become more common due to their many advantages, such as high power operating capacity, reduced switching losses, outstanding power quality, and low harmonics (). These MLIs use several DC sources and power semiconductor switches to produce stepping voltage waveform. Raising their level could improve this voltage waveform (). It is difficult to achieve MLI reliability and efficiency because of the increased cost and component count of circuits. Three of the most common MLI structures are a neutral point clamped (NPC), a flying capacitor (FC), and a cascaded H-bridge (CHB) ().

1.2 Literature review

According to , CHB MLI provides two different single-phase H-bridge topologies—symmetrical and asymmetrical—that are dependent on DC voltage. In contrast to symmetrical MLIs, asymmetrical ones use DC voltage sources of varying magnitudes. A standard CHB-type inverter will often have a positive, zero, or negative output (). suggested assessing the output of CHB-type inverters by aggregating the output voltages of each unit. Recently developed control methods suggest CHB inverter topologies, but the full-bridge converter changes DC step outputs into AC. The limited use of full-bridge converters stems from their inability to block higher voltages, while innovative topologies can reduce both single- and three-phase system components (). Some topologies used modular MLIs to provide multilevel outputs with fewer switching devices and DC sources. These topologies use antiparallel bidirectional switches to transfer current in either direction, with minimal switching components (). Since cascaded subunits reduce switching-device blocking voltage, they resemble modules. The problem with such topologies is that the output level increases the number of switching devices (). Novel MLI designs are required to provide reduced blocking voltage, more output levels, and fewer components (). This can reduce inverter size and price. Recent work has included a stacked H-bridge MLI architecture with basic units on each side of the complete bridge ().

According to , researchers have been studying cascaded MLI topology configurations. There is a singular symmetric MLI that requires fewer switches. An evolutionary algorithm creates a new design and a proven way of controlling both resistive and motor loads, keeping the output voltage stable even when loads change. introduced a transistor-clamped H-bridge MLI design by enabling the various output levels for higher voltage and power ratings without necessitating an increase in component ratings. Carrier-based PWM efficiently controls the MLI, which has fewer switching losses at high switching frequencies (). High-frequency switching applications incur power losses. However, the topologies discussed in , , , and address the challenges of more components, bulky circuits, high control complexity, THD, and low efficiency. The next step is to categorize standalone inverters as either symmetrical or asymmetrical (). Using the same value for each DC source indicates a symmetrical arrangement, while using different values for the DC sources results in an asymmetrical design. presents two configurations ideal for low- and medium-rated solar power generation. According to , FC and NPC MLIs struggle with voltage balance.

MLIs are increasingly used with PV systems as their primary energy source, and a segregated MLI architecture is best for PV integration (). These systems are highly efficient at electricity generation and have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly (). The production of solar PV can be influenced by variations in temperature and solar radiation over time (). A PV system’s efficient operation heavily relies on implementing MPPT techniques. Numerous advanced MPPT techniques have been developed to improve the performance of PV systems (). DC–DC converters effectively handle duty cycle fluctuation to optimize power in MPPT systems. MPPT methods such as hill climbing (HC) and perturbing and observing (P&O) are commonly used due to their straightforwardness (). Choosing the best MPPT methodology for an application can be challenging because each approach has its advantages and disadvantages. The HC and P&O algorithms are unable to achieve global maximum partial probability (GMPP) in partial shadow ().

1.3 Challenges

Two-level voltage source inverters are not ideal for greater power applications due to their inability to handle high voltages and the increased electromagnetic interference caused by higher dv/dt (). It is necessary to address these issues to overcome these limitations. MLIs are the best option, offering advantages such as reduced voltage step, improved power quality, less switching losses, minimal harmonics, and improved electromagnetic compatibility (). Additionally, as the voltage level rises in diode-clamped MLI systems, capacitor voltage balancing becomes challenging, limiting them to three levels. The utilization of FC-MLIs necessitates an increased number of DC capacitors to accommodate increased voltage levels (). Nevertheless, it is possible to adjust the switching combinations and achieve balanced DC capacitor voltage (). CHB MLI architecture has gained in popularity and reliability because of its modularity. Nevertheless, every bridge needs a separate DC power supply. Additionally, as the levels grow, there is a greater demand for switches (). Topologies have been proposed as a cost-effective solution to address power quality concerns and meet high grid-code criteria (). These topologies are mostly derived from conventional ones; novel optimal MLI designs are required to provide high reliability, low THD, reduced blocking voltage, more output levels, and fewer components. This can reduce inverter size and price.

1.4 Contributions

Some of the most important contributions of this study are:

  • a. The design of a standalone solar PV system integrated with a PV boost DC–DC SIMO converter and a 21-level MLI architecture that minimizes the number of components and reduces voltage stress, total size, and cost.

  • b. An EINC-MPPT is used in the PV standalone system to offer a fast dynamic response, track maximum power, and regulate the PV module output voltage.

  • c. The LSCMSPWM approach delivers a better-synthesized output waveform from the MLI, and the resulting THD of 2.26% also fulfills IEEE standards.

  • d. The suggested MLI is appropriate for medium-power and grid-connected renewable energy systems applications.

  • e. The qualitative and quantitative parameters of the proposed 21-level MLI outperform conventional topologies.

1.5 Structure

This study is arranged as follows. The standalone solar PV system and DC–DC boost SIMO converter are presented in Section 1. Section 2 provides a detailed explanation of the suggested 21-level MLI topology operation. In Section 3, both simulation and hardware validation results are presented. Section 4 evaluates and compares the performance parameters of various MLI topologies with the proposed MLI. Finally, Section 5 covers conclusions and future scope.

2 Proposed system

The proposed system’s overall block diagram consists of a solar PV system and a PV boost DC–DC SIMO converter with a proposed MLI (Figure 1). PV technology converts light energy into electrical energy, and solar PV can modify its power production in response to changes in weather conditions and temperature. The suggested method uses a three-level converter with the EINC-MPPT technique to send DC power from PV cells to the proposed MLI architecture. The inverter collects the power that the PV panels generate. A driver circuit will activate switches as needed, employing logic circuits to produce switching pulse patterns via sequence generators. Ultimately, the proposed MLI will provide the load with 21-level output.

FIGURE 1

2.1 Design of the solar PV system

The proposed standalone solar PV system includes a selected solar panel, the 1Soltech 1STH-215-P, which has six series and two parallel units per string. Figures 2A, B display the equivalent circuit of the solar PV cell and the characteristics of the solar PV panel. Di is the diode, RPa, RSe are the resistances of parallel and series resistances, and npa, nse are the number of parallel and series connected cells, respectively.

From the ideal PV circuit, the diode current can be calculated using Equation 1:where is the ideality constant, saturation current is I0, thermal voltage VT = depends on the charge of electron q, cell temperature is Tc, and Boltzmann’s constant is k, equal to 1.3,806,503 × 10−23 J/K.

Panel Output power can be calculated by using Equation 2:

FIGURE 2

By applying KCL to the PV cell equivalent circuit,

Therefore solar PV output current can be calculated by using Equations 3, 4:

The short circuit current (IS) and irradiance intensity can be calculated using Equations 5, 6:where the temperature coefficient is β, reference temperature is TR, and short circuit current IS(TR) values are included in the PV data sheets.

Therefore, the irradiance intensity iswhere Gn indicates normal irradiation value.

The saturation current (I0) can be calculated by Equation 7:

2.2 PV boost DC–DC SIMO converter with the EINC-MPPT technique

Figures 3A, B show the connection of a PV boost DC–DC SIMO converter to solar PV panels with EINC-MPPT and solar PV-integrated with PV boost DC–DC SIMO converter for the proposed MLI. This converter consists of switches (SB, SL), three DC-link capacitors (C1, C2, C3), and a boost inductor (L) to bring the output voltage of the PV system up to a satisfactory level for the inverter input (). The boost converter employs an EINC-MPPT algorithm to automatically track the MPP of the PV array. The following subsections provide a comprehensive explanation of several aspects of the suggested technique.

FIGURE 3

When switch SB is on, the output state is isolated, and an inductor (L) and a switch (S) are used to transfer the increasing input current (IPV). The solar PV output voltage (VPV) powers the inductor while the switch is on (Ton).

Therefore the inductor voltage can be calculated using Equation 8:

When switch SB is off (Toff), current from the inductor is forced to flow through the load and diode (D). This diode can load the inductor (L) from the voltage source.

Therefore the output voltage of converter is VBdc and can be calculated Equation 9:

The boost converter output voltage is controlled by the duty cycle (δ) of the control switch. By altering the switch’s on-time, the output voltage can be precisely controlled.

Therefore, the DC–DC boost converter output voltage can be calculated by Equation 10:where δ = .

The inductor and capacitor ratings are calculated using Equations 11, 12:where ΔIL is the input current, ΔVBdc is the output voltage ripple factors, and fs is the switching frequency. To obtain a reasonable estimate of the values of the inductor and capacitor, it is recommended limiting ΔIL to 30% and generally assuming ΔVBdc at 5%. The characteristics of the solar PV module DC–DC boost converter requirements are detailed in Table 1.

TABLE 1

215W PV modulePV boost DC-DC SIMO converter
PPV213.15WL1.28 mH
IPV7.35AC1.31 μF
VPV module29 V Input112.8 V
Isc7.84Aδ0.718
Voc36.3 V Output400 V
Irradiance1,000 W/m2Capacitor ratings (3 No’s)C1 = C2 = C3 = 9,000 μF
Temperature25°C

Specifications of the solar PV module SIMO converter.

The MPPT controller controls the performance of the boost converter by considering inputs such as temperature, solar radiation, PV array (Voc and Isc) characteristics, and DC link voltage. When the operating point varies around the maximum power point (MPP), especially in situations with rapidly changing irradiance levels, the effectiveness of conventional incremental and conductance MPPT algorithms decreases. To address these problems, an EINC-MPPT technique is implemented; Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of an EINC-MPPT technique.

FIGURE 4

2.3 Proposed 21-level asymmetrical MLI topology

The proposed 21-level MLI architecture consists of fewer components without any inductors, capacitors, and diodes (Figure 5). It consists of only two bidirectional switches (SA and SB), eight unidirectional switches (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8), and three asymmetrical voltage sources (V1, V2, V3) to achieve 21 voltage levels, with each voltage step Vdc = 40 V and the maximum output voltage 400 V. The DC voltage ratio is crucial for maximizing output voltage and reducing the inverter’s TSV. Based on the recommended MLI architecture, the required component estimations follow.

FIGURE 5

2.3.1 Components selection

For the proposed MLI asymmetric operation required DC voltage sources are represented below using Equation 13:

The required DC sources, switches, driver circuits, and maximum output voltage of the proposed MLI are determined using Equations 14–17, where NLev indicates the number of levels:

The maximum voltage output (Vo,max) is

The switches are vital in producing 21 levels using the switching pattern generated by the switching pulse generators. The suggested operational modes of the MLI topology are shown in Figures 6A–U. The various output voltage levels and their corresponding switching states are detailed in Table 2. The current conduction paths are listed in Table 3, and the waveform of the predicted output voltage of the suggested MLI is displayed in Figure 7.

FIGURE 6

TABLE 2


Level
Switching states (ON = 1 and OFF = 0)Active sources between a and bOutput level voltage V0 (volts)
SASBS1S2S3S4S5S6S7S8
Lev10001100110V3+V1+V2+10Vdc = 400 V
Lev21000100110V2+V3+9Vdc = 360 V
Lev30101000110V1+V3+8Vdc = 320 V
Lev40001010110V3+7Vdc = 280 V
Lev51000010110-V1+ V3+6Vdc = 240 V
Lev60110000110-V2+ V3+5Vdc = 200 V
Lev70010010110-V2-V1+V3+4Vdc = 160 V
Lev80001101010V1+V2+3Vdc = 120 V
Lev91000101010V2+2Vdc = 80 V
Lev100101000101V1+1Vdc = 40 V
Lev110001010101—0Vdc = 0 V
Lev121000010101-V1-1Vdc = −40 V
Lev130110001010-V2-2Vdc = −80 V
Lev140010010101-V2-V1-3Vdc = −120 V
Lev150001101001V1+V2- V3-4Vdc = −160 V
Lev161000101001V2-V3-5Vdc = −200 V
Lev170101001001V1-V3-6Vdc = −240 V
Lev180001011001-V3-7Vdc = −280 V
Lev191000011001-V1-V3-8Vdc = −320 V
Lev200011001001-V2-V3-9Vdc = −360 V
Lev210010011001-V2-V1-V3−10Vdc = - 400 V
Blocking voltage (BV)2Vdc2Vdc3Vdc3Vdc3Vdc3Vdc7Vdc7Vdc7Vdc7Vdc44Vdc

Proposed MLI switching states.

TABLE 3

LevelActive sources between a and bCurrent conduction pathVoltage stress on switchesOutput voltage V0 (volts)
Lev1V3+V1+V2V1-V2 - S3- S6- V3- S7- L- S2- V1S1, S4, SA, SB, S5, and S8+10Vdc = 400 V
Lev2V2+V3V2 - S3- S6- V3- S7- L- SA- V2S1, S2, S4, SB, S5, and S8+9Vdc = 360 V
Lev3V1+V3V1- SB- S6- V3- S7- L- S2- V1S1, S3, S4, SA, S5, and S8+8Vdc = 320 V
Lev4V3V3- S7- L- S2- S4 – S6 – V3S1, S3, SA, SB, S5, and S8+7Vdc = 280 V
Lev5-V1+ V3V1- S4- S6- V3- S7- L- SA- V1S1, S2, S3, SB, S5, and S8+6Vdc = 240 V
Lev6-V2+ V3V2 – SB- S6- V3- S7- L- S1- V2S2, S3, S4, SA, S5, and S8+5Vdc = 200 V
Lev7-V2-V1+V3V2-V1 – S4- S6- V3- S7- L- S1- V2S2, S3, SA, SB, S5, and S8+4Vdc = 160 V
Lev8V1+V2V1-V2 - S3- S5- S7- L- S2- V1S1, S4, SA, SB, S6, and S8+3Vdc = 120 V
Lev9V2V2- S3- S5- S7 – L- SA –V2S1, S2, S4, SB, S6, and S8+2Vdc = 80 V
Lev10V1V1- SB- S6- S8- L- S2- V1S1, S3, S4, SA, S5, and S7+1Vdc = 40 V
Lev11-S2- S4- S6- S8 - L- S2S1, S3, SA, SB, S5, and S70Vdc = 0 V
Lev12-V1V1-S4- S6- S8- L- SA- V1S1, S2, S3, SB, S5, and S7-1Vdc = −40 V
Lev13-V2V2 – SB- S5- S7- L- S1- V2S2, S3, S4, SA, S6, and S8-2Vdc = −80 V
Lev14-V2-V1V2-V1 – S4- S6- S8- L- S1- V2S2, S3, SA, SB, S5, and S7-3Vdc = −120 V
Lev15V1+V2- V3V1-V2 - S3- S5- V3- S8- L- S2- V1S1, S4, SA, SB, S6, and S7-4Vdc = −160 V
Lev16V2-V3V2 - S3- S5- V3- S8- L- SA- V2S1, S2, S4, SB, S6, and S7-5Vdc = −200 V
Lev17V1-V3V1 – SB- S5- V3- S8- L- S2- V1S1, S3, S4, SA, S6, and S7-6Vdc = −240 V
Lev18-V3V3- S8- L- S2- S4- S5- V3S1, S3, SA, SB, S6, and S7-7Vdc = −280 V
Lev19-V1-V3V1- S4- S5- V3- S8- L- SA- V1S1, S2, S3, SB, S6, and S7-8Vdc = −320 V
Lev20-V2-V3V2 - SB- S5- V3- S8- L- S1- V2S2, S3, S4, SA, S6, and S7-9Vdc = −360 V
Lev21-V2-V1-V3V2-V1 - S4- S5- V3- S8- L- S1- V2S2, S3, SA, SB, S6, and S7−10Vdc = -400 V

Proposed 21-level MLI current conduction paths.

FIGURE 7

2.3.2 Level-shifted constant multicarrier sinusoidal pulse width modulation (LSCMSPWM) technique

The proposed MLI needs the right modulation methods to obtain a lower THD that meets the IEEE standard limits and provides good power from the MLI end. Modulation methods enhance the synthesis of the MLI output waveform. To provide gating signals for the power switching devices of the converter, the fundamental frequency is used. In this case, a pulse width modulation technique is used as a control. The optimal reference sinusoidal pulse is associated with level-shifted average level constant multicarrier signals of similar characteristics, which are used to generate gating signals for controlling power converter switches.

This control approach requires (NLev−1)/2 average level constant multicarrier signals to achieve the required output voltage levels. The modulation technique generates the model voltage output waveform and logic gate-based (LGB) switching gate pulse generators to store the switching order of every switching device (Figures 8A, B). Ten average-level constant multicarrier pulses (MCa1 – MCa10) can produce 21 voltage levels with different shift values but equal frequency. Gate pulse patterns for power converter switching devices are generated by comparing average level constant multicarrier carrier signals with a pure sinusoidal waveform signal (Vref = |Vm sin (ωt)|).

FIGURE 8

The amplitude of the level-shift constant multicarrier pulse modulated index (Ma) is calculated using Equation 18:

The variables Vm and Vcr denote the peak voltage amplitude of the reference signal and the voltage of the constant multicarrier signals, respectively. The proposed 21-level MLI topology requires one fundamental sinusoidal waveform with a 50 Hz frequency as a reference and ten average-level constant multicarrier signals to generate the pulses for power switches. The RMS output voltage of the proposed MLI with its respective modulation index can be calculated using Equation 19:

The optimal output voltage waveform is clipped more frequently as the switching frequency increases. This limits its fluctuation to short intervals.

3 Result analysis

To observe the proposed MLI’s real-time response to various load conditions, it is necessary to simulate and validate the recommended MLI architecture by implementing the prototype. The subsequent sections detail the outcomes of both the simulation and experimental results.

3.1 Simulation results

The simulation results of the solar PV panel and PV-boost SIMO converter output voltages with EINC-MPPT are displayed in Figure 9A. The solar PV panel at MPP generates 112.8 V and is boosted to 400 V using a PV boost converter on the side of a SIMO converter. The PV boost DC–DC SIMO-converter simulated input and output voltages are displayed in Figure 9B. The DC link voltage response comparison for different MPPT techniques is displayed in Figure 9C. The proposed EINC MPPT technique is very effective, with a lower settlement time of 0.085 s than other MPPT techniques.

FIGURE 9

The suggested MLI circuit is modeled and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink software. The switch pulse patterns are produced at a switching frequency of 5 kHz by comparing the multicarrier signals through a 50 Hz sinusoidal signal. The modeled topology is tested for R-load as well as RL-loads. The output voltage and current waveforms of the proposed MLI are shown in Figures 10A–C. These show the output voltage and current waveforms of the MLI with R = 200Ω load and the output voltage and current waveforms of the MLI with an RL-load (R = 200Ω, L = 200 mH), respectively. The simulated FFT analysis THD of 2.06% is displayed in Figure 10D.

FIGURE 10

3.2 Hardware results

The experimental testing of the proposed MLI architecture was conducted, and the component specifications are listed in Table 4. Power-switching IGBT (CM75DU-12H) devices, optocouplers (MCT2E), and asymmetrical DC sources are used to implement this hardware prototype. The dSPACE RT1104 controller is used to generate the switching sequence for each switching device, using optocouplers for activation. The hardware prototype was tested with various load conditions, achieving a 21-level output voltage of 400 V. The voltage and current output waves were examined, and the results were captured using a DSO connected to the prototype via a differential probe. A hardware prototype of the suggested MLI is shown in Figure 11A.

TABLE 4

Apparatus/parameterRange/type
Driver boardTLP-250
LoadR = 100–400 Ω, L = 100–400 mH
Switching frequency5 kHz
DC sources0–500 V/programmable
IGBT module600 V, 75 A/(CM75DU-12H)
ControllerdSPACE RTI 1104
Fundamental frequency50 Hz

Specifications of the proposed MLI experimental setup.

FIGURE 11

Figure 11B presents the experimental output voltage waveforms of the solar PV panel as well as the PV-boost converter. Figure 11C presents the input and output voltages of the PV-boost DC–DC SIMO converter.

Figures 12A–D present the output voltage as well as the voltage and current waveforms of a proposed MLI for R = 200Ω load and RL-load (R = 200Ω, L = 200 mH), as well as the output voltage waveform for various modulation index (Ma) values, respectively. Figures 13A–D present the output current behavior when the dynamic load changes from R- to RL-load. Figures 14A–E present the output current behavior when the dynamic load changes from RL- to R-. The output voltage THD is 2.26%—in line with IEEE standards.

FIGURE 12

FIGURE 13

FIGURE 14

4 Comparative analysis

The proposed 21-level MLI architecture was compared using performance indicators like TSV, THD, losses, efficiency and reliability parameters’ fault rate (FRT), and mean time to failure (MTTFT). Procedures and computations for these performance indicators are discussed below. Various qualitative and quantitative parameters are compared, tabulated, and graphically illustrated.

4.1 Total standing voltage (TSV) calculation

TSV is extensively used to choose power switches. All power-switching devices in the design have an influence on TSV (). To calculate the blocked voltage across power-switching devices, VSbi = Vi and VSuni = 2Vi are the voltage stresses on the bi- and uni-directional switches, respectively, where i = 1, 2, n and n is the power switch.

Therefore, the maximum output voltage is calculated using Equation 20:

The maximum blocking voltage (MBV) of particular switches can be calculated using Equations 21–23:

The normalized voltage stress (NVstress) is defined as the ratio of the switch’s Vstress to Vo,max. The Vstress is the true voltage stress. Respective switch voltage stress values are listed in Table 5.

TABLE 5

SwitchVoltage stress (Vstress)Normalized voltage stress (NVstress) in (%)
S13Vdc(3Vdc/10Vdc) = 30%
S23Vdc(3Vdc/10Vdc) = 30%
S33Vdc(3Vdc/10Vdc) = 30%
S43Vdc(3Vdc/10Vdc) = 30%
S57Vdc(7Vdc/10Vdc) = 70%
S67Vdc(7Vdc/10Vdc) = 70%
S77Vdc(7Vdc/10Vdc) = 70%
S87Vdc(7Vdc/10Vdc) = 70%
SA2Vdc(2Vdc/10Vdc) = 20%
SB2Vdc(2Vdc/10Vdc) = 20%

Voltage stress comparisons across power switches.

Figures 15A, B show each switch voltage stress distribution and the normalized voltage stress (%). The MLI design’s maximum output voltage is 10Vdc, which has 21 levels; however, the algebraic total of DC sources exceeds the switch’s MBV (7Vdc). Despite unequal voltage stress across the switches in the suggested MLI architecture, four switches have a maximum voltage stress of 7Vdc (S5, S6, S7, and S8). The smallest voltage stress is 20% of the two power switches (SA and SB) and 30% intermediate voltage stress of the remaining four switches (S1, S2, S3, and S4). Therefore, to save money, the suggested MLI design aims to increase DC source intake while minimizing TSV and switches.

FIGURE 15

The TSV is given as the algebraic sum of MBV across individual switches and is expressed in Equations 24, 25, providing the TSVPU value thus:

The suggested topology TSVProposed can be calculated using Equations 26, 27:

Therefore, the suggested MLI’s peak inverse voltage (PIV) can be calculated by Equation 28:

4.2 Cost function (CF)

The cost function (CF) can be calculated using some quantitative aspects of the suggested topology, such as a number of DC sources (NDC), switches (NSwi), gate driver circuits (NDri), diodes (NDio), capacitors (NCap), and the per unit value of TSV (TSVpu) of the topology (). Therefore, the CF can be calculated by Equation 29:

In this calculation of the cost function, the weight coefficient α value should be considered lower than 1 as well as larger than 1. In order to best evaluate the cost function, the developed MLI uses an approximation of α values of 0.5 (<1) and 1.5 (>1) (). Equation 30 calculates the cost function per level:

Therefore, CF/NLev for the suggested 21-level MLI topology with α values of 0.5 and 1.5 are 1.20 and 1.409, respectively.

4.3 Power loss and efficiency calculation

Two notable power losses occur in multilevel inverters: conduction (PCond) and switching losses (PSwil). Total conduction loss is determined by summing the conduction losses of both IGBTs (PCSW) and anti-parallel diodes (PCD) along the current path (). This can be expressed using Equations 31, 32:where im (4A) is the peak output current. The threshold voltages for power switches and diodes are VSwi (4 V) and VDio (0.7 V). Similarly, RSwi (0.001Ω) and RDio (0.001Ω) represent the power switch on-state resistance and diode, respectively. The datasheet specifies β (0.01) as the power switch specification constant. If NSwi and NDio are the switches and diodes are conducting at the same time (t) to produce each level, then the average conduction loss is expressed using Equation 33:

Switching loss (PSwil) is the amount of power used when the switch turns on and off. This loss is calculated for the switch and the antiparallel diode. Equations 34–36 can be used to calculate the turn-on and -off energy loss (Eon, Eoff):

Similarly,

The time it takes to turn the switch off is toff, the time to turn it on is a ton, and the corresponding losses from the switch are Eoff-q and Eon-q, respectively. Although VSW q represents the voltage of the switch when it is in the off state, I and II represent the currents before and after the switch is turned on, respectively. The total switching losses can be calculated by Equation 37:

The fundamental frequency is denoted by f, Non-q, and Noff,-q, and the number of times that the qth switch is turned on or off during a single fundamental cycle. Therefore, the overall power losses is expressed using Equation 38:

The output power can thus be calculated by Equation 39:

The total efficiency (η) can be calculated using Equation 40:where Poutp and Pinp are the output and input powers. Table 6 summarizes the power losses and efficiency of the suggested MLI. The efficiency for various loads is graphically illustrated in Figure 16.

TABLE 6

Parameter/Resistive loads100 Ω200 Ω300 Ω400 Ω
Vrms (V)282.84282.84282.84282.84
Irms (A)2.821.410.940.70
Output power Poutp (W)797.61398.80265.86197.98
Conduction loss Pcond (W)18.8213.4011.2510.70
Switching loss Pswil (W)0.0300.0070.0030.002
Total loss PTotal (W)18.85013.40711.25310.702
Input power Pinp (W)816.46412.20277.11208.68
% Efficiency (η)97.6996.7495.9394.87

Summary of the proposed MLI power losses and efficiency.

100 Ω, 200 Ω, 300 Ω and 400 Ω are the resistive loads.

FIGURE 16

4.4 Reliability assessment

The reliability study determines the equipment’s predicted lifetime and failure rate, which are crucial to determining the health of any electronic device. Manufacturing organizations can profit from this reliability study as they seek long-lasting, high-performing, and low-maintenance products, and the industry can also estimate the mean time-to-repair and mean downtime to resume operations (Figure 17A). Therefore, an estimation of how long a device will survive is essential. To determine a device’s reliability, several factors are considered.

FIGURE 17

MTTFT and FRT are the key reliability assessment requirements. The hazard rate (λT) is a prediction of failure over a certain timeframe. When FR is time-invariant, R(t) is reliability. Approximation and precise methods are preferred in power electronic circuit reliability testing. The mean time to the first failure is initially calculated to determine device durability. A high mean-time-to-failure (MTTFT) indicates reliability. This and the failure rate (FRT) of a device can be determined using MIL-HDBK 217E standard handbooks (). The approximation approach simplifies and accurately predicts FRT values for switches, diodes, and capacitors (mentioned in detail in Table 7), and the flowchart is shown in Figure 17B to calculate the MTTFT value.

TABLE 7

S.no.ComponentFailure rate (failures/hour)
1Switches250 *10–9
2Diodes100 *10–9
3Capacitors300 *10–9

Failure rates of each component using the approximation method ().

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17C, the suggested MLI keeps its self-voltage balanced, a unique quality that makes it suitable for a wide range of applications such as solar PV systems, fuel cells, battery-powered applications, and industrial generators. In addition, the suggested MLI might be used in medium-power micro-grids and grid configurations, offering a reliable solution for the problem of remote electrification.

The total MTTFT is estimated from power electronic circuit element FR values. Equation 41 is used to calculate λT:

Equation 42 is used to calculate the power electronic circuit MTTFT:

The suggested MLI architecture was compared with numerous quantitative features of the existing MLI topologies, including the number of DC sources (NDC), power switches (NSwi), gate drivers (NDri), diodes (NDio), capacitors (NCap), and component count per number of levels (CC/NLev). When it comes to qualitative comparisons such as the TSVpu, THD, CF, FRT, and MTTFT features, Table 8 presents quantitative and qualitative comparisons of the proposed 21-level MLI with existing topologies. All these comparisons indicate that the suggested 21-level MLI architecture is more economical, cost-effective, and achieves better performance outcomes.

TABLE 8

Quantitative parameters
ReferenceNLevNDCNSwiNDriNDioNCapCC/NLev
Similar2141212001.33
2141313001.42
2141616001.71
2141111001.23
2131414001.47
2171616001.85
2161010631.66
Proposed MLI2131010001.09
Others1731010001.35
1951110201.47
2361212001.30
2582016001.76
3161616001.22
3382418001.51
Qualitative parameters
ReferenceNLevTSVPU%THDCF/NLevλT (Failures/hour)MTTFT=(1/λT)
(Hours/failure)
α = 0.5α = 1.5
Similar214.506.671.441.650.0000030333333.33
215.506.431.411.670.0000030333333.33
214.607.131.531.750.0000032312500
214.405.851.812.020.0000040250000
214.407.691.341.550.0000027370370.37
215.60-1.601.870.0000035285714.28
214.404.281.771.980.0000040250000
Proposed MLI214.402.261.201.400.0000025400000
Others177.054.121.561.970.0000025400000
194.663.201.591.840.0000029344827.58
2311.454.841.552.050.0000030333333.33
256.304.911.882.130.0000050200000
314.603.961.301.440.0000040250000
335.204.271.591.750.0000060166666.66

Quantitative and qualitative comparisons of the proposed 21-level MLI.

5 Conclusion and future scope

This research proposed a novel 21-level MLI architecture for solar PV energy systems with fewer components. In addition, an EINC-based MPPT technique was used for constant PV panel power generation, even in partially shaded situations. The proposed MLI was tested for different loads, including R, RL, R-RL, and RL-R loads. The suggested MLI is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and validated experimentally using hardware. The qualitative and quantitative comparative analysis with existing architectures demonstrates that the price, size, and TSV of the proposed MLI are reduced. The efficiency is 97.69%, and the CF/NLev for different weight coefficient (α = 0.5 and α = 1.5) values is 1.20 and 1.40, respectively. The reliability study parameter of λT is 0.0000025 failures/hour and MTTFT of 400000 h/failure are improved from the findings. The simulated THD is 2.06%, and the experimental THD is 2.26% under the IEEE standards. This suggested architecture can provide high-quality power from PV systems and improve power quality, voltage, and reactive power support for grid-connected systems, FACTS, RES, and EV applications. This research can also be appropriate for a battery storage system that the hotel and residential sectors can supply for emergency and standalone services.

Statements

Data availability statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

Author contributions

SN: conceptualization, formal analysis, investigation, methodology, software, validation, visualization, writing–original draft, and writing–review and editing. CD: investigation, methodology, project administration, resources, supervision, validation, visualization, and writing–review and editing.

Funding

The authors declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors, and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Nomenclature

  • α

    weight coefficient value

  • Eon, Eoff

    energy consumption of on–off switches

  • STM

    standard testing measurement

  • Rse, Rpa

    series and shunt resistances of the PV cell equivalent circuit

  • K

    Boltzmann constant

  • T

    temperature

  • δ

    duty cycle of boost converter

  • fS

    switching frequency

  • THD

    total harmonic distortion

  • CF/NLev

    cost function per level

  • TSVpu

    total standing voltage per unit

  • VOC

    open-circuit voltage of the PV module

  • ISC

    short-circuit current of the PV module

  • IDi

    saturation current of a diode

  • MPPT

    maximum power point tracking

  • EINC

    enhanced incremental conductance

  • P&O

    perturb and observe

  • VSuni

    voltage stress on unidirectional switch

  • Vref

    reference voltage

  • λT

    total failure rate

  • λPS/λPD/λPC

    failure rate of switches/failure rate of diodes/failure rate of capacitors

  • MTTFT

    total mean time to failure

  • Vrms/Irms

    output RMS voltage and current

  • VSbi

    voltage stress on bidirectional switch

  • PTotal

    total power loss

  • G

    irradiance

  • Vcr

    carrier signal voltage

  • TR

    reference temperature

  • NSwi/NDri

    number switches/number of gate driver circuits

  • VSwi

    voltage across the ith switch

  • FRT

    failure rate

  • NCap/NDio

    number capacitors/number of diodes

  • RSwi/RDio

    resistance of the switch/resistance of diode

  • Vm

    maximum voltage of the reference signal

  • Ma

    modulation index

  • Vdc

    DC source voltage

  • NLev/NDC

    number of levels/number of DC sources

  • β

    power switch specification constant

  • Pswil

    switching power losses

  • Pcond

    conduction power losses

  • Poutp

    output power

  • Pinp

    input power

  • im

    maximum output current

  • PCSW/PCD

    conduction power loss of switches/conduction power loss of diodes

  • t

    total time period

  • toff/ton

    turn-off and turn-on timings

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Summary

Keywords

cost function, level-shifted constant multicarrier sinusoidal pulse width modulation, multilevel inverter, PV boost SIMO converter, total harmonic distortion, total standing voltage

Citation

Nyamathulla S and C. D (2024) Design and implementation of a PV-tied effective inverter with high reliability and low THD for distribution-grid applications. Front. Energy Res. 12:1498514. doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2024.1498514

Received

19 September 2024

Accepted

30 October 2024

Published

04 December 2024

Volume

12 - 2024

Edited by

Chee Wei Tan, University of Technology Malaysia, Malaysia

Reviewed by

Salman Ahmad, Islamic University of Science and Technology, India

Bin Duan, Shandong University, China

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Dhanamjayulu C.,

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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