Design and optimization of multilevel inverters for renewable energy integration
1 Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Vissj Government Polytechnic Bhadravathi, Karnataka, India.
2 Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Government Residential Polytechnic for Women’s, Shimoga, Karnataka, India.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2022, 15(02), 787-797
Publication history:
Received on 02 May 2022; revised on 18 August 2022; accepted on 21 August 2022
Abstract:
The increasing global demand for clean energy has driven the rapid integration of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy into the electrical grid. However, the intermittent and variable nature of these energy sources necessitates the development of highly efficient and reliable power conversion systems to ensure stable and high-quality power delivery. Multilevel inverters (MLIs) have emerged as a promising solution due to their capability to generate near-sinusoidal output voltages with significantly reduced harmonic distortion, lower electromagnetic interference, and minimal switching losses compared to conventional two-level inverters. This paper presents an in-depth study on the design and optimization of MLIs specifically tailored for renewable energy applications, including stand-alone and grid-connected PV systems, wind energy systems, and hybrid renewable setups. Key design considerations are explored, including the selection of suitable topologies such as diode-clamped, flying capacitor, and cascaded H-bridge inverters, each evaluated based on their performance metrics, cost, and scalability. Advanced modulation strategies, such as sinusoidal pulse-width modulation (SPWM), space vector pulse-width modulation (SVPWM), and selective harmonic elimination (SHE), are analyzed for their effectiveness in improving power quality and reducing harmonic distortion. Additionally, the role of voltage balancing techniques, thermal management systems, and wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors in enhancing efficiency and reliability is discussed. Optimization techniques targeting efficiency improvement, power loss reduction, and enhanced fault tolerance are elaborated, alongside emerging trends in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for real-time control and predictive maintenance. Challenges in grid synchronization, fault detection, and control complexity are critically assessed, with potential solutions proposed to address these issues. The paper also highlights recent advancements in modular multilevel inverter designs and their applicability in distributed energy systems, energy storage integration, and microgrids. By synthesizing the latest research and technological advancements, this study provides a comprehensive framework for the design, optimization, and deployment of MLIs in renewable energy systems. The insights gained underscore the critical role of MLIs in facilitating the large-scale adoption of renewable energy and achieving global sustainability goals, while paving the way for future innovations in power electronics and renewable energy integration.
Keywords:
Multilevel Inverters (MLIs); Renewable Energy Integration; Photovoltaic (PV) Systems; Wind Energy Systems; Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems; Harmonic Distortion
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