Cross-switched multilevel inverter using auxiliary reverse-connected voltage sources

A new single-phase H-bridge multilevel inverter (MLI) topology constructed using auxiliary reverse-connected voltage sources along with a hybrid pulse width modulation (PWM) strategy is proposed, to extract a variable frequency variable amplitude output voltage. The principle eschews an astute philosophy to employ PWM approach only for a particular H-bridge that serves to produce the desired level while the remaining add-on modules function with the theory of fundamental switching. It involves the use of reduced number of switching devices for a specific number of output voltage levels in comparison with conventional MLIs. The design of the hybrid PWM suitable to power the appropriate switches add strength to its formulation in the sense it requires only either addition or subtraction to generate the square wave modulated pulses for the power devices in the other units other than that responsible for offering the preferred level of output voltage. The MATLAB R2010b-based simulated performance adequately validated through experimental results foresee the emergence of a new variety of MLIs and forge a different dimension for inverter interfaces in power control applications.