A Robust and Efficient 13-Level Common-Ground SCMLI With Sextuple Voltage Gain and Fault-Tolerant Design for Sustainable Power Applications

This research paper introduces a new 13-level switched capacitor multilevel inverter (SCMLI) design that connects to a common ground, making it suitable for solar PV applications by reducing leakage current. This inverter design achieves balanced capacitor voltages and a six-times voltage boost using only 1 DC power source, 15 switches, 1 diode, and 4 capacitors. A level shifted modulation technique improves the output quality, reduces harmonic distortion, and simplifies control. Simulations in MATLAB/Simulink test the inverter’s steady and changing performance, while PLECS software evaluates energy efficiency through power loss analysis across different conditions. Experiments show that the inverter consistently produces a stable output, with balanced capacitor voltages, even without extra balancing circuits. A comparison with other 13-level inverters highlights this design’s benefits in terms of fewer components, common ground feature, higher voltage gain, and lower cost. Additionally, a reliability analysis confirms that this design is robust and ideal for renewable energy systems. Overall, this inverter offers a compact, efficient, and reliable solution for sustainable power conversion in modern energy systems.