New High Voltage Gain Multilevel Diode-Clamped Converter Topology as a Utility Interface for Photovoltaic Systems

In this paper, a new high voltage gain structure for multilevel diode-clamped converter is presented which can be used in photovoltaic applications. The proposed topology can produce any number of levels at output voltage waveform. Reduction of the number of used switches, diodes, flying capacitors, and drivers is the main advantage of proposed topology. Compared to the conventional topologies, the proposed topology can increase the amplitude of generated voltage by PV panels significantly. The proposed topology is discussed as single-phase and three-phase configurations. An advanced Multi-carrier PWM method is applied for proposed topology to produce output voltage levels. The proposed switching method utilizes the least number of carriers for any levels. To show the merits of proposed topology, comparison results are provided with other structures. It is shown that the recommended structure requires the least number of components. Simulation results are provided to verify the operation of suggested converter using PSCAD/EMTDC software.