Simulation and study of a grid connected multilevel converter (MLC) with varying DC input

Multilevel line commutated inverters for renewable energy systems have gained popularity in recent times, especially in the distributed generation where a number of batteries, fuel cells, solar cell, and micro-turbines can be connected through a MLC to feed the grid. They can synthesize higher output voltage levels and can generate near sinusoidal voltages. This paper presents analysis of a grid connected MLC as an inverter having variable dc sources(which can be the output of wind farms, solar panels etc.). A Computer simulation analysis using SIMULINK/ MATLAB has been done to minimize total harmonic distortion (THD) by increasing the stages and by varying the delay angles for varying dc input to the multilevel inverter. A comparative study of different stages of MLC for different value of dc input has also been studied. The results has been tabulated and discussed.