Single Source Three-Phase 13-Level Transformer-Based Cascaded Hybrid Multi-level Inverter

This paper proposes a novel three-phase 13-level cascaded hybrid multi-level inverter (CHMLI) topology in terms of reduced switch count and high efficiency. The proposed topology removes the limitation of separate DC source(s) for each power module unlike conventional cascaded multi-level inverter (CMLI). It consists of eighteen active switches, four diodes, four switched-capacitors (SCs) having self-balanced voltages within pulse width modulated (PWM) signals. In addition to, two high frequency three-windings transformers are utilized for isolation purpose as well as to step down the voltage. Simulation results are shown to verify the proposal.