Cascaded multilevel converters in recent research and applications

Abstract

Multilevel converters have been intensively investigated and developed since 1960s and have found successful industrial applications. The aim of this paper is to present state of the art as well as recent research and applications of cascaded multilevel converters, which are a very interesting solution for power distribution systems and renewable energy sources. Cascaded multilevel converters can easily operate at medium and high voltage based on the series connection of power modules (cells), which use standard low-voltage component configurations. Series connections of modules (cells) allow for high quality output voltages and input currents, reduction of passive components and availability of component redundancy. Due to these features the cascaded multilevel converters have been recognized as attractive solutions for high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission, solid state transformers (SST) and photovoltaic (PV) systems.