Asymmetric multilevel inverter with quasi-linear power distribution ratio for grid connected photovoltaic converters

A three phase multilevel inverter topology suitable for PV application is investigated along with its modulation and switching strategy. Special attention is given to be able to make simpler photovoltaic array connections and enhance maximum power point tracking efficiency. The ability to have redundancy to achieve a given voltage level in binary asymmetric cascaded H-bridge (CHB) multilevel converter is utilized to improve power distribution ratio. Also, a robust and alternative grid synchronization method is proposed and utilized in this paper. The performance of a suitable configuration, modulation technique and switching strategy are verified by simulation in MATLAB/Simulink and experimental results using laboratory prototype.