Solar Based Hybrid Multilevel Converter With Floating DC-Links

Abstract

Advancements in converter technology have been driven by the need for enhanced power quality in contemporary power systems.  This extensive study introduces a novel method that involves using lower voltage cells with floating DC-links. The objective of this technique is to mitigate voltage distortion in an NPC (Neutral Point Clamped) converter used for active rectifier applications. An approach is devised to compensate for harmonics in the output voltage of the NPC system and to manage the voltages of the floating DC-link by drawing a comparison between floating H-bridges and series active filters. This approach streamlines the existing control system and expands its range of operation, leading to improved overall performance. The study explores the examination of power quality and total harmonic distortion (THD) values for various switching pulses in more detail. The current system combines a solar photovoltaic array, boost converter, and multilayer inverter. The efficacy of the suggested modulation approach is substantiated by the experimental findings of a low-power prototype, which exhibit a significant improvement in the quality of the output waveform. This comprehensive investigation provides significant findings on optimizing power quality in solar-based hybrid multilevel converters, therefore advancing the efficiency and dependability of power systems.