A 17-level octuple boost inverter with low component and reduced inrush current

Abstract

This paper proposes a 17-level switched-capacitor-based inverter structure to reduce circuit components, limit inrush current, and provide an eightfold voltage-boosting capability. The proposed 17-level inverter comprises eleven switches, four capacitors, and three diodes. The distinct advantages of the proposed structure include the requirement for fewer components, inrush current limiting capability, eight-times voltage boosting, and a reduced number of components with a maximum blocking voltage (MBV) applied to only two switches. The circuit of the proposed structure includes a series-parallel unit (SPSC), two level-doubler (LD) units, and two half-bridge (HB) units for voltage polarity reversal. The circuit operation, charging and discharging states, the proposed modulation method, and the charging current analysis are presented. The capacitor voltages in the proposed structure are automatically balanced without needing auxiliary or pre-charging circuits. The proposed inverter is compared with other topologies from recent studies based on various parameters, demonstrating the superiority of the proposed design. The proposed 17-level structure simulation has been examined under steady-state and dynamic conditions. Ultimately, the experimental findings validate the theoretical assessments and simulation results.