SINGLE-CAPACITOR FIVE-LEVEL BOOST INVERTER: A COMPACT PATH TO SMARTER GRID-CONNECTED PV SYSTEMS

Abstract

The demand for compact, cost-effective, and reliable power conversion systems is steadily rising as photovoltaic (PV) energy becomes a mainstream source for grid integration. Conventional multilevel inverters, though effective in reducing harmonics and improving power quality, often rely on complex circuitry with multiple capacitors and switches, which increase cost, space, and control challenges. This paper proposes a novel single-capacitor five-level boost multilevel inverter designed specifically for grid-connected PV systems. The architecture achieves voltage boosting and multilevel output generation with minimal components, thereby reducing system losses and enhancing efficiency. The proposed design ensures high-quality sinusoidal output with reduced total harmonic distortion (THD), improved dynamic response under fluctuating solar input, and enhanced reliability compared to traditional topologies. Simulation and experimental validations confirm that this inverter configuration not only simplifies control strategy but also delivers superior performance in terms of power quality, cost-effectiveness, and scalability for smart grid applications