© 2025 JETIR April 2025, Volume 12, Issue 4 www.jetir.

org (ISSN-2349-5162)

Multilevel Inverter Using Cascade H Bridge Topology

Manthan Pratap Kudiya
Dept. of Electrical Engineering,
Atharva college of Engineering, Malad,
Mumbai

Abhay Santosh Singh

Dept. of Electrical Engineering,
Atharva college of Engineering, Malad,
Mumbai

Hardik Ashok Desai

Dept. of Electrical Engineering,
Atharva college of Engineering, Malad,
Mumbai

Samiksha Datta Mate

Dept. of Electrical Engineering
Atharva college of Engineering, Malad,
Mumbai

Kshipra Pandey
Assistant Professor
, Atharva college of Engineering,
Malad, Mumbai

Abstract—
Multilevel inverters have emerged as a pivotal technology in the field of electronics, revolutionizing the conversion
of direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). Unlike traditional inverters with limited voltage levels,
Multilevel inverters offer multiple discrete voltage levels, thereby enhancing output waveform quality, reducing
harmonic distortion, and improving overall system efficiency.This abstract delves into the fundamental concepts
and key characteristics of multilevel inverters. It explores various topologies, including diode- clamped, flying
capacitor, and cascaded H- bridge configurations, elucidating their advantages and trade-offs. The underlying
principle of stacking power electronic switches to synthesize different voltage levels is examined, elucidating the
intricate control strategies involved ,the abstract highlights the diverse applications of multilevel inverters,
encompassing renewable energy integration, motor drives, and high-voltage transmission systems. It underscores
their role in enabling the efficient conversion of DC power sources into high-quality AC power making them
indispensable in modern power systems.

I. INTRODUCTION

MLIs were developed in 1975 as an alternative to directly connecting power electronic switches to the medium-power grid. MLIs are gaining
Popularity due to several advantages, including lower harmonic distortion, simplified filters, improved waveform quality resembling a
sinusoidal output, and reduced voltage stress on the switches. MLIs find applications in various fields of electrical engineering, including
renewable energy conversion, high-voltage DC transmission, distributed generation (DG) systems, industrial drives, uninterruptible power
supplies, and more. There are three traditional multilevel inverter topologies: Neutral Point Clamped (NPC), Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB), and
Flying Capacitors (FCs). Out of these, one might be preferred depending on the specific requirements and modular characteristics. A multilevel
inverter is an electronic device used in power electronics to convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) with multiple voltage
levels. Unlike traditional inverters that produce a square waveform with only two voltage levels (high and low), multilevel inverters generate
waveforms with several discrete voltage levels, creating a closer approximation to a sinusoidal AC waveform.

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II. LITERATURE REVIEW

Diode-Clamped Multilevel Inverter (Neutral- Point Clamped Inverter): This topology uses diodes and capacitors to create multiple voltage
levels. It’s relatively simple but can achieve a reasonable number of output voltage levels.Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter: It consists of
multiple H- bridge cells connected in series .This configuration can achieve a high number of voltage levels and is commonly used
in high-power applications.Flying Capacitor Multilevel Inverter: This inverter employs flying capacitors to generate multiple voltage levels.
It’s known for reduced switching losses and good voltage waveform quality.Hybrid Multilevel Inverter: Combines different multilevel inverter
topology ,such as cascaded H-bridge and diode- clamped, to benefit from the strengths of each. Neutral-Point Clamped (NPC) Multilevel
Inverter: This topology uses clamping diodes and a neutral point to create more voltage levels, improving the quality of the output
waveform.Symmetric and Asymmetric Multilevel Inverters: These topologies focus on achieving symmetrical or asymmetric voltage levels to
suit specific applications and load requirements.Cascaded Multi-cell Multilevel Inverter: It’s similar to the cascaded H-bridge, but instead of
H-bridge cells, it uses smaller multi- cell units to create more voltage levels.T-Type Multilevel Inverter: This topology employs T- type
configurations to reduce voltage stress on the switching devices. It’s suitable for medium voltage applications. H-bridge Multilevel Inverter:
Consists of H-bridge cells connected in series, making it simple and suitable for low to medium voltage applications. Modular Multilevel
Inverter: Utilizes a modular structure, allowing for easy scalability by adding or removing sub modules. It’s often used in high-voltage ,such as
HVDC systems.These various multilevel inverter topologies offer flexibility and efficiency for different applications, making it possible to
choose the most suitable configuration based on specific requirements like voltage levels, power ratings and cost considerations

III OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to design and implement a multilevel inverter based on the cascaded H-bridge topology
to generate a high-quality AC output waveform from multiple DC. sources. This project aims to reduce the. total
harmonic distortion (THD), improve power quality, and enhance the efficiency and scalability of the inverter system.
The use of cascaded H-bridges enables the generation of multiple voltage levels, resulting in a staircase waveform that
closely approximates a sinusoidal output, making it suitable for medium and high- power applications such as
renewable energy systems, motor drives, and grid- connected power systems. . The project also aims to study the
scalability of the CHB topology, which allows the inverter to be expanded to higher voltage levels without increasing
the voltage stress on individual power switches. This makes the system highly suitable for medium-voltage and high-
power applications such as grid-connected solar power systems, electric vehicle drives, uninterruptible power supplies
(UPS), and industrial motor drives.

In addition to simulation and theoretical analysis, the project involves the hardware implementation of a scaled-down
prototype to validate the design. Key performance metrics such as output voltage levels, THD, power efficiency, and
dynamic response will be analysed and compared with conventional inverter designs to demonstrate the effectiveness
of the multilevel approach.

Overall, the project seeks to contribute to the development of more efficient, reliable, and modular inverter systems
that can meet the growing demand for clean and stable power conversion in modern power electronics and renewable
energy sectors.

IV. BLOCK DIAGRAM

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V. METHODOLOGY

The methodology for designing and implementing a multilevel inverter typically involves several key steps: Topology Selection: Choose the
appropriate multilevel inverter topology based on your specific application requirements and constraints. Common topologies include the
Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB), Neutral Point Clamped (NPC), Flying Capacitor, and others, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Component Selection: Select the power semiconductor devices (usually IGBTs or MOSFETs) and other components like capacitors inductors,
and DC voltage sources. The choice of components impacts the inverter’s performance and efficiency. Modulation Technique: Decide on the
modulation technique that will control the switching of the power devices. Common modulation methods. include Sinusoidal. Pulse Width
Modulation (SPWM), Space Vector Modulation (SVM), and others. The modulation technique determines the quality of the output waveform.
Voltage Levels: Determine the desired number of output voltage levels. This decision may be based on the application’s requirements, such as
grid connection standards, motor drive specifications, or other factors. DC Voltage Sources: If using a cascaded topology, decide how to
generate and manage the multiple DC voltage sources needed for the inverter. Control Strategy: Develop the control strategy that dictates how
the switching devices should be operated to produce the desired output voltage and minimize harmonic distortion. This includes the generation
of switching signals based on the modulation technique chosen.

VI. FUTURE SCOPE

The future scope of multilevel inverters is promising and includes several areas of development and application : Renewable Energy
Integration: Multilevel inverters will play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy source like solar and wind into the-grid They allow for
higher voltage and power quality, making them well-suited for grid-tied inverters and improving the efficiency of energy conversion .Electric
Vehicles: Multilevel inverters are expected to be a key technology in electric vehicle (EV) drivetrains .They can efficiently control the power
flow between the battery and the motor, contributing to extended battery life and improved vehicle performance. High-Voltage Direct Current
(HVDC)Systems: Multilevel inverters are ideal for HVDC transmission systems enabling efficient power transmission over long distances and
interconnection between grids.They reduce harmonics and improve the reliability of HVDC systems.Factories and Industrial Drives: Multilevel
inverters are well-suited for industrial applications that require high- power, variable- speed drives, offering improved control and power
quality. They can enhance the performance of manufacturing processes and machinery. Grid Stability Multilevel inverters can provide grid
support functions, helping to stabilize voltage and frequency in the presence of intermittent renewable energy sources. They can be used
in Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) and grid smoothing applications.Power Electronics in Smart Grids As smart grids continue to
evolve multilevel inverters will contribute to grid intelligence by enabling more efficient and controlled power distribution. They can enhance
the reliability and resilience of power systems. Advanced Modulation Techniques: Ongoing research will focus on developing more advanced
modulation techniques for multilevel inverters, improving the efficiency and waveform quality. This includes better utilization of
semiconductor devices and reduced switching losses.In summary, the future of multilevel inverters is bright, driven by the need for higher
efficiency, better power quality , and reliable power electronics. solutions in various application, including renewable energy, electric
transportation, and smart grids. Researchers and engineers will continue to advance the technology to meet the evolving demands of the energy
industry.

VII. CONCLUSION

The Cascade H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter (CHBMLI) stands as a pivotal and versatile technology in the field of power electronics and
power conversion. Its modular, cascaded structure allows for a wide range of voltage levels, making it an ideal choice for high-power and high-
voltage applications. Here are the key takeaways: Modularity and Scalability: CHBMLIs are inherently modular, enabling easy scalability to
meet specific voltage and power requirements. This adaptability is a significant advantage in applications such as grid-connected systems and
renewable energy integration. High- Quality Output: CHBMLIs deliver high- quality output waveforms with reduced harmonics and
electromagnetic interference. This makes them valuable in applications where power quality is crucial, such as motor drives and grid-tied
systems. Reduced Switching Stress: The distribution of voltage and current stress across multiple power semiconductor switches enhances the
reliability and longevity of these components, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. Advanced Control Techniques: CHBMLIs can be
controlled using advanced modulation techniques, ensuring precise control of the switching patterns and, consequently, the output voltage.
This control flexibility is essential for achieving optimal performance. Applications in Renewable Energy: CHBMLIs play a pivotal role in
renewable energy systems, particularly in converting DC power from sources like solar panels and wind turbines into grid- compatible AC
power. Their efficiency and ability to manage fluctuations in renewable sources are highly advantageous. HVDC Transmission: In high-
voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems, CHBMLIs improve the efficiency and reliability of long-distance power transmission.
They help reduce losses and harmonic distortion. Efficiency and Heat Management: Research and development efforts continue to focus on
improving the efficiency of CHBMLIs and enhancing thermal management solutions. This is critical for the long-term performance of
these inverters. Integration with Smart Grids: CHBMLIs are well-suited for integration into smart grids, contributing to grid stability, power
quality, and enhanced grid management. In summary, the Cascade H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter is a robust and adaptable technology that has
found applications in various domains, from renewable energy to electric vehicles and industrial drives. Its ability to provide high-quality
power output, scalability, and reliability positions it as a key player in the transition to cleaner and more efficient energy systems. Future
developments in this technology are expected to further enhance its performance and broaden its applications.

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VIII. References

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