Hybrid multilevel inverter using switched capacitor with boosting and self-balancing capability

Switched capacitor based multilevel inverters with boosting capability are emerging as single stage DC–AC conversion in utilizing low voltage DC sources such as solar PV and fuel cell. This paper proposes a single-phase hybrid multilevel inverter topology based on a switched capacitor that is capable of generating 9-levels along with a voltage gain of 2. The components required to construct the basic module of topology are 11 switches, 1 diode and 2 capacitors. The voltage balancing of the switched capacitors is achieved with the help of a modulation strategy, thereby eliminating the need of sensors. The theoretical loss analysis of the inverter is presented and the nearest level control based fundamental switching frequency modulation technique is employed to study the performance of the proposed inverter. The effectiveness of the suggested topology is validated with the help of a prototype built in the laboratory. The superiority of the proposed topology is assessed with the help of comparison with existing topologies.