Cascaded Multilevel Inverter Based on Quasi-Z-Source Converter: Analysis, Design and Study of Optimal Structures

In this paper, a new topology for cascaded multilevel inverter based on quasi-Z-source converter is proposed. In the proposed topology the magnitude of output DC voltage is not limited to the sum of magnitude of DC voltage sources. Moreover, the reliability of the circuit due to capability of short circuit by Z-source network is increased. The quasi-Z- source converter in different modes is analyzed and the voltage gain is obtained. Also, the values of quasi-Z-source network components are designed. In the proposed topology, the number of DC voltage sources, the number of switches, installation area and cost in comparison with conventional multilevel inverters are significantly reduced. Three algorithms to determine the magnitude of DC voltage sources are proposed. Then the optimal structures for the minimum number of switches and DC voltage sources to generate the maximum voltage levels are presented. Moreover, the control method for the proposed topology is described. To verify the performance of the proposed topology, simulation and experimental results of proposed topology are presented.