SiC based cascaded multilevel converter for solar applications: Downscaled prototype development

Photovoltaic power generation is growing worldwide at an accelerated pace. A cascaded multilevel converter topology based on Silicon Carbide switches and high frequency components in association with multiple maximum power point tracking capabilities addresses common limitations of central grid inverters, targeting a raise in the overall efficiency of large-scale photovoltaic power plants. The topology of the converter cell is overviewed, and the design issues of a downscaled prototype utilizing 1,2kV Silicon Carbide semiconductor devices and high frequency transformer are discussed.