Design Lab End Sem Report
Design Lab End Sem Report
Submitted by
November - 2024
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Declaration
We, Amarnath Tiwari, Jai Bhagtani, Harsh Narayan Garg, Sanya Khandelwal, Manas
Chaturvedi , hereby declare that the Project Report, entitled “Hardware Of Single Phase
Inverter ”, submitted to the Department of Electrical Engineering, MANIT Bhopal a
record of original project undergone by us during the period July-November 2024, to the
Bachelor of Technology, Electrical Engineering, MANIT, Bhopal, represents our ideas in
our own words and where others’ ideas or words have been included, We have adequately
cited and referenced the sources.
Date:
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Acknowledgement
We have taken a lot of effort into this project. However, completing this project would not
have been possible without the support and guidance of a lot of individuals. We would like
to extend our sincere thanks to all of them.
We are highly indebted to Dr. Siddhartha Deb Roy and Dr. Suresh Kumar Gawre for their
guidance and supervision. We would like to thank them for providing the necessary
information and resources for this project.
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Abstract
This project demonstrates the design and implementation of a Single-Phase Inverter using an
Arduino Nano, MOSFETs , and a transformer to convert DC (Direct Current) into AC (Alternating
Current). The Arduino Nano generates PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals to control the
MOSFETs, which act as switches to regulate current flow. The transformer is used to adjust the
output voltage to the desired AC level.
The inverter produces a sinusoidal or square wave AC output, depending on the PWM modulation,
and is tested for efficiency, switching characteristics, and output waveform quality. The system is
designed for use in solar power systems or stand-alone power supplies, with Arduino offering
flexibility for adjusting operating parameters.
This report covers the design, construction, and testing of the inverter, highlighting its performance
and potential applications in energy conversion systems.
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Contents
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
Declaration (ii)
Acknowledgement (v)
Abstract (iv)
Contents (v)
I Introduction 7
II Methodology 8
IV Discussion 15
V Conclusion 19
References 24
v
List of Figures
2 Output Waveforms 13
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CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION
Inverter technology plays a critical role in the conversion of Direct Current (DC) to Alternating
Current (AC), a process that is essential for various applications, from renewable energy systems like
solar power to providing backup power for electronic devices. A single-phase inverter, which produces
AC output from a DC source, is one of the most commonly used devices in power electronics. This project
focuses on the design and implementation of a simple yet effective single-phase inverter using an
Arduino Nano as the control unit, MOSFETs for switching, and a transformer for voltage regulation.
The primary goal of this project is to convert DC voltage—typically sourced from batteries, solar panels,
or DC power supplies—into a stable, usable AC output. The inverter is controlled by a microcontroller
(Arduino Nano) that generates Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals to switch the MOSFETs. These
switching devices regulate the flow of current between the DC input and the AC load, ensuring efficient
energy conversion. The use of a transformer allows the adjustment of output voltage levels, making the
inverter adaptable to different types of loads.
The significance of this project lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. The Arduino Nano, a cost-
effective and versatile microcontroller, enables easy customization of the inverter’s frequency and duty
cycle, offering flexibility for future improvements. Additionally, MOSFETs provide high-speed
switching capabilities and efficiency, while the transformer ensures the correct output voltage and
isolation.
This report discusses the design, construction, and testing of the inverter, providing insights into its
operational principles, key components, and the results of its performance under various conditions. The
project aims to demonstrate a practical and scalable solution for DC to AC power conversion, suitable for
applications in renewable energy systems, emergency power supplies, and small-scale electrical devices.
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CHAPTER 2 : METHODOLOGY
The methodology for designing and implementing a single-phase inverter using Arduino Nano,
MOSFETs, and a transformer is detailed in the following sections. This process includes the design of
the control circuit, the selection of components, the construction of the inverter, and the steps taken for
testing and optimization.
The goal of this project is to design an inverter that converts DC into AC suitable for powering household
appliances. The inverter is constructed using the following key components:
The Arduino Nano generates PWM signals that control the MOSFETs. By adjusting the duty cycle and
frequency of the PWM, we control the output waveform, ensuring a smooth and stable AC signal. The
design includes the following stages: circuit design, component selection, PWM generation, MOSFET
switching control, and voltage regulation using the transformer.
The basic circuit diagram for the single-phase inverter consists of the following sections:
1. DC Source and Filter: The DC power source (e.g., a battery) is connected to a filter to ensure that the
DC voltage is smooth. This is necessary for the inverter to work properly. The filter is typically a
combination of capacitors and inductors to reduce ripple in the DC signal.
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2. Arduino Nano: The Arduino Nano microcontroller is used for generating the PWM signal to control the
MOSFETs. The PWM frequency typically ranges from 5 kHz to 20 kHz, depending on the application.
This frequency controls the switching of the MOSFETs.
3. MOSFETs: Two MOSFETs are used to switch the current between the DC source and the transformer.
The MOSFETs are controlled by the PWM signals from the Arduino. The n-channel MOSFETs are
chosen for their efficiency in high-speed switching.
4. Gate Driver: The MOSFETs require a high current to switch on and off rapidly. A gate driver is used to
amplify the PWM signal from the Arduino and ensure the MOSFETs are switched effectively.
5. Transformer: The transformer is connected to the MOSFETs’ drain-source terminals. It steps up or steps
down the voltage as required by the load. The transformer isolates the inverter's AC output from the DC
input, providing safety and voltage regulation.
6. AC Load: The output of the transformer is connected to the AC load, such as lights or small appliances.
Depending on the application, the load can be resistive or inductive.
The basic single-phase inverter operates as a bridge inverter with two switches in a full-bridge
configuration. The configuration ensures that the inverter can generate an alternating waveform by
alternating the direction of current flow through the transformer.
The selection of components is critical for the performance and efficiency of the inverter. The key
components selected are:
1. Arduino Nano:
o Microcontroller: The Arduino Nano is chosen due to its ease of use, low cost, and the ability to generate
PWM signals with adjustable frequency and duty cycle. The Arduino’s 8-bit AVR architecture is more
than sufficient for this application.
2. MOSFETs:
o N-channel MOSFETs (e.g., IRF540N) are used due to their high-speed switching characteristics and
efficient operation.
o The MOSFETs should be chosen with low R<sub>DS(on)</sub> (drain-source resistance) to minimize
conduction losses and ensure efficient operation.
3. Transformer:
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o A transformer with the appropriate voltage rating is selected based on the required output AC voltage
(e.g., 110V or 220V) and power requirements.
4. Gate Driver:
o A logic-level MOSFET driver (e.g., IR2110) is used to ensure proper switching of the MOSFETs with
a high current gate drive.
5. Other Components:
o Diodes: For protecting the MOSFETs from reverse current during switching transitions.
o Capacitors: To smooth out voltage ripple in the DC input and AC output.
o Resistors: For current limiting and controlling the gate charge.
o Inductors: To smooth out the switching noise and filter the output waveform.
The Arduino Nano generates the PWM signals to control the MOSFETs. The PWM signal is a square
wave that varies in width (duty cycle). The duty cycle is defined as the percentage of time the signal is
high during each switching period. The frequency of the PWM signal controls the switching speed, while
the duty cycle determines the output voltage.
The Arduino is programmed to generate PWM signals based on the following parameters:
• Frequency: Typically set between 5 kHz to 20 kHz to balance switching speed and efficiency.
• Duty Cycle: Controlled by the program to regulate the output voltage. For a pure sine wave inverter, the
duty cycle changes based on the input signal to approximate a sinusoidal waveform.
To generate the PWM, we use the analogWrite() function, which produces a duty cycle adjustable
between 0% and 100%. By modifying the duty cycle and frequency, we can create various waveforms
such as square, modified sine, or pure sine waves for the AC output.
The switching of MOSFETs is controlled by the PWM signals generated by the Arduino. The MOSFETs
function as high-speed electronic switches, turning on and off rapidly in response to the gate signals. The
following points explain the switching control:
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1. Gate Drive: The PWM signal from the Arduino is sent to the gate driver, which amplifies the signal and
provides the necessary current to switch the MOSFETs. Since the MOSFETs require significant current
to charge and discharge the gate capacitance, the gate driver ensures efficient switching.
2. Switching Transitions: The MOSFETs are turned on and off alternately, with one MOSFET conducting
during one half of the cycle and the other conducting during the opposite half. This results in the
generation of an alternating current through the transformer.
3. Dead Time: A small delay is added between the switching of MOSFETs to prevent both MOSFETs from
turning on simultaneously, which would cause a short circuit across the power supply.
4. Gate Resistors: To limit the current flowing into the gates of the MOSFETs, gate resistors are used.
These resistors help to dampen switching noise and control the switching speed.
The transformer is used to step up or step down the output voltage. Depending on the primary and
secondary windings of the transformer, the output AC voltage can be adjusted to match the required load
specifications.
• Step-Up Transformer: Used to increase the voltage (e.g., 12V DC to 220V AC).
• Step-Down Transformer: Used to decrease the voltage (e.g., 220V AC to 12V DC).
The output voltage from the transformer is an AC waveform, but it may initially be a square wave with
high harmonic content. If a pure sine wave output is required, additional circuitry such as filtering and
sine wave approximation techniques may be applied.
After assembling the circuit, the inverter is tested to evaluate its performance:
1. DC Input and AC Output: Measure the input DC voltage and the output AC voltage to ensure correct
voltage conversion.
2. Waveform Quality: Use an oscilloscope to analyze the AC waveform. Depending on the application, the
waveform may be a square wave, modified sine wave, or sine wave.
3. Efficiency: Measure the efficiency by comparing the DC input power and the AC output power.
Efficiency is calculated as:
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4. Load Testing: Test the inverter with various loads (e.g., resistive loads like lamps or inductive loads like
motors) to observe how the inverter performs under different operating conditions.
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CHAPTER 3: RESULT AND ANALYSIS
1. Stable AC Output: The inverter successfully converted the DC input to a stable 230 V
AC output, achieving the target frequency of 50 Hz.
2. Load Testing with a Bulb: The AC output was tested by powering a standard household
bulb, which illuminated steadily, indicating a consistent output and effective DC-to-AC
conversion.
3. Efficiency and Heat Dissipation: The MOSFETs operated within safe thermal limits
without excessive heating, confirming efficient switching control by the Arduino Nano's
PWM signals.
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CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION
4.1 Limitations
1. Output WaveformQuality
The inverter design in this project primarily produces a square wave or modified sine wave output.
While this type of waveform is adequate for certain loads, it is not ideal for all types of electrical devices.
Many household appliances, especially those with motors (such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and
pumps), require a pure sine wave AC output to function efficiently and avoid potential damage. The
square wave generated by the current inverter has a high harmonic content, which may lead to:
o Increased heating in appliances,
o Lower efficiency in inductive loads (motors), and
o Electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could affect nearby sensitive electronic devices.
The harmonics present in the output could lead to poor power quality, which can be a significant issue
in sensitive electronic systems. While a filtering circuit could help reduce some harmonics, achieving a
truly sinusoidal waveform requires more complex circuitry such as PWM-based sine wave modulation
or sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM), which was not implemented in the current design.
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o The physical size of the components,
o The thermal management capacity of the system.
High-power inverters are typically required in industrial applications or for large home appliances, where
the power demand exceeds the capabilities of this design. Scaling up the system would require significant
changes to the circuit design, including more powerful MOSFETs, advanced gate drivers, larger
transformers, and enhanced heat dissipation mechanisms.
Despite the aforementioned limitations, the project has substantial scope for enhancement. Several
improvements can be made to the existing design to enhance performance, scalability, and
efficiency. Below are the key areas for future development:
One of the primary future improvements would be to modify the design to generate a pure sine wave
output instead of a square wave. This would involve implementing sine wave modulation techniques,
such as sinusoidal PWM (SPWM), which would provide several benefits:
• Improved Efficiency: Sine wave output would reduce harmonic distortion and improve the efficiency of
inductive loads like motors.
• Reduced Heating: The smoother waveform would reduce the heating effects on appliances and minimize
the risk of damage to sensitive equipment.
• EMI Reduction: A sine wave reduces the electromagnetic interference (EMI) that is often associated
with square wave inverters.
Implementing SPWM requires more sophisticated control algorithms that could be implemented using a
more powerful microcontroller like Arduino Mega, STM32, or ESP32, which provide more
computational power and memory to handle complex PWM generation in real-time.
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2. Feedback Control System
Introducing a feedback control system would allow the inverter to adapt to varying load conditions and
adjust its output parameters in real-time. This could involve:
• Voltage Regulation: Using a voltage sensor to provide feedback to the Arduino, which can dynamically
adjust the PWM to maintain a stable output voltage under varying load conditions.
• Current Sensing: Monitoring the current drawn by the load and adjusting the switching strategy to
prevent overcurrent conditions.
• Protection Features: Adding over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature protection
mechanisms would enhance the robustness and reliability of the inverter. For example, if the inverter
detects that the output voltage exceeds a safe limit, it could shut down or reduce the duty cycle of the
PWM signal.
To minimize switching losses and increase efficiency, the use of higher-speed switching devices such
as IGBTs (Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors) or GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors could be explored.
These devices have significantly lower switching losses and can operate at much higher frequencies than
traditional MOSFETs.
• Gate Drive Circuit: A more advanced gate driver circuit could be designed to handle the high-speed
switching and reduce power losses further.
4. Thermal Management
To enhance the reliability and efficiency of the inverter, implementing an effective thermal management
system is essential. This could involve:
• Adding heat sinks to the MOSFETs and transformer to dissipate heat more effectively.
• Integrating fans or even liquid cooling systems for larger inverters designed to handle high-power
applications.
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5. High-Power Applications
The current inverter design is limited to low-power applications. To scale the system for larger loads, the
following improvements could be made:
• Upgrade the MOSFETs: Higher-rated MOSFETs capable of handling larger currents and voltages
should be used to increase the power capacity.
• Use a More Powerful Transformer: A transformer with a higher voltage and current rating would be
required to step up the DC voltage to higher AC levels.
• Advanced Protection Circuitry: For larger power systems, enhanced protection circuitry (such as fuses,
crowbar circuits, and soft-start mechanisms) should be integrated to protect the components from
overloads.
The inverter can be adapted for use in solar power systems, where it can convert DC power from solar
panels into grid-compatible AC power. Integrating an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)
algorithm could optimize the efficiency of solar power generation, and a grid synchronization module
could enable the inverter to feed AC power into the electrical grid.
Future versions of the inverter could be integrated with smart home systems or IoT (Internet of Things)
platforms. This would allow for remote monitoring and control of the inverter via a mobile app or web
interface. Smart features like power monitoring, load shedding, and scheduled operation can be added
to optimize energy consumption.
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CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION
One of the most important aspects of this project is its potential application in renewable energy systems,
particularly solar and wind power generation. Solar panels and wind turbines produce DC power, which
must be converted into AC to be compatible with the electrical grid or to power household appliances.
The inverter developed in this project is a crucial component for enabling this conversion. By providing
a low-cost, efficient solution for DC-to-AC conversion, the project contributes to the expansion of
sustainable energy sources. Furthermore, the integration of such inverters with solar energy systems
can help reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, supporting efforts to reduce global carbon
emissions and mitigate climate change.
The use of an Arduino Nano as the central controller in this project makes the inverter design cost-
effective and accessible, particularly for small-scale or DIY applications. Low-cost inverters can enable
individuals and small businesses to implement alternative energy systems, such as solar-powered homes,
without incurring the high upfront costs associated with traditional inverters. This can democratize access
to renewable energy technologies, particularly in developing regions where electricity access is limited
or unreliable. The project’s low-cost, scalable design makes it particularly relevant for off-grid solutions
in remote areas.
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3. Educational Value
This project has significant educational value in the field of power electronics and microcontroller-
based systems. For students and hobbyists, the Arduino-based inverter provides a hands-on approach to
learning about DC-AC conversion, PWM modulation, and MOSFET switching. It allows for practical
experimentation and testing, enhancing understanding of these fundamental concepts in power
electronics. Additionally, this project can serve as a basis for further academic research or project-based
learning, where students can modify the design, implement new features, and explore real-world
applications of inverters in renewable energy systems.
The increasing global focus on energy efficiency makes this project particularly relevant. Inverters play
a crucial role in energy conversion, and improving their efficiency can significantly reduce energy waste
in the power conversion process. With growing concern about energy consumption, improving inverter
technology is one way to optimize the utilization of electrical energy, particularly in applications such as
solar power, battery storage systems, and electric vehicles. By contributing to higher efficiency in these
areas, the project helps reduce electricity costs and the overall environmental impact of power generation.
In addition to its immediate applications in renewable energy and small-scale power systems, the project
lays the foundation for future advancements in smart grids, electric vehicles, and home automation
systems. As technology evolves, inverters will play an increasingly critical role in ensuring grid stability
and optimizing power flow in distributed energy systems. This project, by developing an adaptable and
scalable inverter platform, contributes to the broader technological innovation in these fields, helping to
drive the transition to cleaner and more efficient energy systems.
The development of a single-phase inverter using Arduino Nano, MOSFETs, and a transformer
presents a promising foundation for various future research avenues in the field of power electronics and
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renewable energy systems. The current design can be further improved to meet the growing demand for
efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy conversion systems. The following outlines key areas for future
research and development:
One of the main challenges with the existing inverter is the square wave or modified sine wave output.
Future research can focus on developing advanced modulation techniques, such as sinusoidal pulse
width modulation (SPWM) or space vector modulation (SVM), which would significantly improve
the output waveform by approximating a pure sine wave. Pure sine waves are essential for powering
sensitive electronic equipment and for improving efficiency in inductive loads like motors and
transformers. Research can explore the integration of these modulation techniques into the Arduino-based
inverter design to achieve smoother and more reliable AC outputs.
Current MOSFETs, although effective for low- to medium-power applications, have limitations in terms
of switching frequency and efficiency. Future research could explore the use of next-generation
switching devices such as Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs), Silicon Carbide (SiC)
MOSFETs, or Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices, which can operate at higher switching frequencies, offer
better thermal performance, and reduce switching losses. Research into gate driver circuits optimized
for these components could also improve the overall system efficiency and switching behavior.
Additionally, the integration of high-frequency transformers that minimize losses and increase power
density should be explored to enhance the performance of high-power inverters.
A key area for future research is the incorporation of real-time feedback control to optimize the
inverter’s performance. Currently, the inverter lacks dynamic feedback mechanisms to adjust the PWM
signal based on real-time conditions such as load variations or voltage fluctuations. Research can focus
on designing a closed-loop control system using feedback from voltage and current sensors to maintain
a stable output under varying load conditions. This adaptive control could also integrate load prediction
algorithms or fuzzy logic controllers to adjust the switching frequency and duty cycle based on the type
of load, further improving the system’s efficiency and stability.
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4. Integration with Energy Storage Systems
As renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines become more widespread, inverters
will play a critical role in converting the DC power generated by these sources into grid-compatible AC
power. Future research could focus on enhancing the inverter's ability to interface seamlessly with energy
storage systems (e.g., batteries or capacitors) to enable grid-tied or standalone power applications.
Research on maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for solar energy or battery
management systems (BMS) for energy storage integration could optimize the power conversion
process, improving the overall system efficiency.
One of the primary issues with the current inverter design is the presence of harmonic distortion in the
output waveform. This could cause issues in the power quality when used in industrial or commercial
applications. Future research could explore active power factor correction (PFC) techniques and
filtering strategies to mitigate harmonic distortion. Active filters or LC filters could be designed to
reduce the harmonic content in the inverter’s output, ensuring compliance with grid standards for power
quality.
The rise of smart grids and internet of things (IoT) technologies presents new research opportunities
for enhancing inverter systems. Future research could focus on smart grid integration, enabling the
inverter to not only convert DC to AC but also to communicate with the grid to optimize power
distribution and consumption. For instance, research on grid synchronization methods and voltage-
frequency control would allow inverters to seamlessly feed power into the grid, enabling distributed
energy generation. Additionally, IoT-enabled inverters could provide remote monitoring, diagnostics,
and performance optimization via mobile applications or cloud-based platforms.
The current inverter design is suitable for low- to medium-power applications. However, as demand for
high-power inverters increases, future research could focus on scaling the design to handle higher loads.
Research into multi-level inverters, parallel inverter systems, or modular inverter designs would
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allow for the safe and efficient operation of inverters with higher power ratings (e.g., for industrial
equipment or electric vehicles). Furthermore, research could explore thermal management techniques
for scaling the inverter system, such as using liquid cooling or heat pipe technology to manage the heat
dissipation in high-power applications.
Finally, reducing the cost of inverters while maintaining or improving performance is a key area for
research, especially for solar energy systems and electric vehicles, where cost-effective solutions are
crucial. Future research could focus on developing low-cost materials, simplified manufacturing
processes, or integration techniques that reduce the number of components required for inverter design.
3D printing and modular design could play a role in simplifying assembly and reducing costs, enabling
mass production of high-performance inverters for various applications.
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References
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