A HIGH-EFFICIENCY SEVEN-LEVEL INVERTER WITH SELF-BALANCED SWITCHED-CAPACITOR TOPOLOGY VALIDATED THROUGH PLECS SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

This research introduces a novel seven-level switched-capacitor inverter (SCI) topology designed to achieve high efficiency and reduced component count. The proposed SCI utilizes a DC input source, consisting of only twelve switches and two capacitors, to generate a seven-level output voltage. This topology stands out for its ability to self-balance capacitor voltages, resulting in reduced voltage stress on the switches and minimizing the need for complex external components such as a backend H-bridge. The proposed SCI is its ability to deliver a threefold increase in output voltage relative to the input, effectively boosting voltage without additional step-up transformers. The article provides a comprehensive comparison with existing SCI topologies, demonstrating the superior benefits of the proposed design, such as fewer components, lower cost, and enhanced performance. Both simulation results and experimental outcomes validate the efficacy of the suggested SCI in various operating conditions, confirming its potential for practical applications in power conversion systems. The laboratory test setup for the seven-level MLI prototype further corroborates the functionality and robustness of the proposed design. Utilizing PLECS simulation software, the performance of twelve semiconductor switches (S1 to S12) was evaluated in terms of their power dissipation characteristics. This novel topology presents significant advancements in multilevel inverter technology, offering improved efficiency and reliability for a wide range of applications, including renewable energy integration and electrical power distribution systems.