Transformer-Based seven-level inverter with single-dc supply for renewable energy applications

This paper puts forward a single-DC source based seven-level inverter for harvesting energy from renewable sources. Three single-phase transformers with cascaded outputs are powered from the switching power circuit resulting in then generation of multilevel at the output of the inverter. The proposed configuration can generate output voltage having levels of magnitude (-3VDC, -2VDC, -VDC, 0, VDC, 2VDC, 3VDC) from the DC supply (V
_DC
). Structurally this topology exhibits the advantage of fewer power devices in comparison to conventional inverter for the generation of same number of output voltage levels. Simple logic gate based gating pulse generation scheme is suggested obviating the need for complex pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) scheme. Simulation results confirming the viability and effectiveness of the proposed inverter are presented.