Single-source cascaded transformers multilevel inverter with reduced number of switches

Abstract

This study presents a novel topology for multilevel inverters so called cascaded transformer reduced switches inverter (CTRSI). This topology consists of one DC source and several single-phase transformers. Each single-phase transformers generates three levels with two semiconductor switches and only two switches for all transformers alter the direction of single DC source. Whereas each single-phase transformers in conventional cascaded transformer multilevel inverter includes four switches. Hence, CTRSI has the advantage of a reduced number of components compared with conventional cascaded transformer multilevel inverter. Simulation results carried out by MATLAB/SIMULINK and a low-power experimental setup was planned to test the converter in practice. The results show that the proposed inverter topology is able to reach high-quality output voltages. Using switches with higher rating current than conventional topology is main disadvantage of CTRSI.