Hindawi

International Journal of Photoenergy

Volume 2019, Article ID 7642919, 22 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7642919

Research Article
Cascaded H-Bridge MLI and Three-Phase Cascaded
VSI Topologies for Grid-Connected PV Systems with
Distributed MPPT

Abdullah M. Noman ,1,2 Khaled E. Addoweesh ,1 Ayman A. Alabduljabbar ,3

and Abdulrahman I. Alolah1
1
King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2
Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
3
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Correspondence should be addressed to Abdullah M. Noman; anoman@ksu.edu.sa

Received 11 February 2018; Revised 21 September 2018; Accepted 4 October 2018; Published 14 January 2019

Academic Editor: Mohammad Tariq Iqbal

Copyright © 2019 Abdullah M. Noman et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution
License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is
properly cited.

Cascaded multilevel inverter topologies have received a great deal of attention for grid-connected PV systems. In this paper,
three-cascaded multilevel inverter configurations are proposed for grid-connected PV applications. These are the three-phase
cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter topology, three-phase cascaded voltage-source inverter topology using inductors, and
three-phase cascaded voltage-source inverter topology using coupled transformers. Distributed maximum power point tracking
(MPPT) of PV modules using perturbation and observation algorithm is used for all presented topologies. In all presented
configurations, each PV module is connected to one DC-DC isolated Ćuk converter for best MPPT achievement. Simulation is
achieved by using the SIMULINK environment. The simulation results show that the three proposed topologies function well in
improving the grid’s power quality. The grid currents are kept in phase with the grid voltage to ensure unity power factor, and
the THD of the grid currents are within the acceptable range. The proposed topologies are experimentally implemented in the
lab, and the switching pulses are generated with the help of the MicroLabBox data acquisition system. Comparing the three
topologies according to the number of switches, voltage, and current stresses on switches and THD of the generated voltages
and grid currents and according to the efficiency has been achieved in this paper, both experimentally and by simulation. The
simulation and experimental results and comparisons are presented to verify the proposed topologies’ effectiveness and reliability.

1. Introduction between PV modules can be removed using the AC module

According to the interconnection of the photovoltaic (PV)
inverters in the grid, four types of topologies are possible.
These are the centralized inverter topology, string inverter
topology, multistring inverter topology, and AC module
topology. All of these topologies are shown in Figures 1(a)–
1(d), respectively. They each have merits and demerits com-
pared to each other. AC module topology is based on using
one PV module per converter; therefore, it is the most mod-
ular and has the best MPPT capability. Any mismatching
inverter topology. In addition, it is easy to enlarge by simply
adding one PV module connected to one converter. Another
advantage is that it can be used by persons without knowl-
edge of electrical installations [1]. Due to the advantages of
the AC module topology, it will be used in the proposed
topologies of this paper.
Recently, many multilevel inverter (MLI) topologies have
been proposed and have gained attention in many applica-
tions, especially in grid-connected PV applications [2]. The
most common MLI topologies can be classified into three
2 International Journal of Photoenergy
DC
DC DC DC DC
AC AC AC AC
(a) (b)
Figure 1: Grid-connected PV system topologies.
types: neutral-point MLI, flying capacitor MLI, and cascaded
H-bridge (CHB) MLI.
Cascaded MLI features have gained attention as an
attractive solution for many applications, such as use of
CHB MLI in standalone systems, static VAR compensations,
and grid-connected PV system [3–14].
The topology presented in [12] is an example of string
inverter topology described in Figure 1(b). The authors pro-
posed a three-phase cascaded H-bridge MLI and PV strings.
The topology enables a large increase of the total power
capacity of the PV system. However, this system is based
on the string inverter topology in which multiple PV strings
are connected to an H-bridge cell, and the H-bridge cells are
then cascaded to generate multilevel voltage. Therefore, this
type of topologies suffers from poor MPPT because of partial
shading and module mismatch.
The topology presented in [8] is an example of multi-
string inverter topology that is described in Figure 1(c). The
presented configuration consists of string PV modules that
are connected to one DC-DC converter and then to the
H-bridge cell. Three H-bridge cells were cascaded to generate
seven-level voltage. The DC-DC converter is responsible for
tracking MPP and for amplifying the DC voltage if needed.
This system suffers from the same disadvantages of not accu-
rately tracking the MPP of the PV modules. In addition, the
power rating of the DC-DC converter will be high, which
increases the system cost. From another point of view, an
example of the AC module inverter topology shown in
Figure 1(d) is presented in [5]. The authors presented a
modular cascaded H-bridge multilevel PV inverter for
three-phase grid-connected applications. The AC module
inverter topology uses only one PV module for each
H-bridge cell. To realize the improved use of PV modules,
and to maximize solar energy extraction, a distributed maxi-
mum power point tracking control scheme is applied to the
three-phase multilevel inverter, which allows for the inde-
pendent control of each DC-link voltage. With increasing
the number of PV modules, the number of H-bridges is
DC
AC
DC DC
DC DC DC DC
AC
DC
DC
AC
AC
(c) (d)
increased. The AC module topology is very suitable to
improve system efficiency, since the best utilization of PV
modules could be obtained; however, the system will be
costly and the control will be complex if the number of PV
modules increases.
Another type of cascaded MLI topology is based on the
conventional two-level voltage-source inverter (VSI). It has
been used in many motor-drive applications [15, 16]. This
cascaded MLI can also be used for grid-connected renew-
able energy applications [15–17]. The authors in [15] used
this topology to connect the wind farm to the grid, whereas
others [17] used the three-phase cascaded VSI for
grid-connected PV applications. However, the three-phase
currents in each unit are not balanced, which means the
current stresses on each leg are not equal. The authors
[18] solved the problem of unbalanced three-phase currents
in each unit by using intermediate transformers instead of
inductors. However, the intermediate transformers are
bulky [19]. On the other hand, in both topologies, the num-
ber of voltage levels will be limited by the number of cas-
caded VSI units.
In this paper, three-cascaded multilevel inverter configu-
rations are used for grid-connected PV applications. These
are the three-phase cascaded H-bridge MLI topology,
three-phase cascaded VSI topology using inductors, and
three-phase cascaded VSI topology using coupled trans-
formers. Distributed maximum power point tracking is used
for all presented topologies. The AC module inverter topol-
ogy has a great advantage in fully optimizing the MPPT.
Therefore, the AC module inverter topology is considered
for all presented topologies in which only one PV module is
considered for every DC-DC converter. The presented topol-
ogies are built in the SIMULINK environment and simulated
with a grid interface. In order to validate the quality perfor-
mance of the presented topologies as well as accurate control,
the three topologies are experimentally implemented in the
lab, and the switching pulses are generated with the help of
the MicroLabBox data acquisition system. The presented
International Journal of Photoenergy 3

topologies have been compared to each other by simulation
and experiment. The experimental results have verified the
effectiveness and reliability of the proposed topologies.
2. Description of the Proposed Configurations
Three-cascaded multilevel inverter topologies are considered
in this paper:
Each VSI unit is connected to PV modules via the DC-DC
isolated Ćuk converter. Each PV module is connected to
one DC-DC Ćuk converter. The DC-DC converter is respon-
sible for tracking MPP and for isolation purposes.
3. Analysis of the Proposed Topologies
3.1. Three-Phase Cascaded H-Bridge MLI Topology

2.1. Three-Phase Cascaded H-Bridge MLI. The proposed 3.1.1. Voltage Relationships. The phase voltage of each
configuration is a multilevel inverter consisting of two cascaded H-bridge inverter in phase a is given as
power-processing stages: DC-DC converter and inverter.
The proposed configuration is shown in Figure 2. As shown vAN = Nma V dcH sin wt, 1
in this configuration, each PV module is connected to one
DC-DC converter—unlike the AC module inverter topol- where N is the number of H-bridges connected to each
ogy described in [5], in which each PV module is connected phase, V dcH is the DC-link voltage for each H-bridge,
to one H-bridge for optimal MPP tracking. This in turn can and ma is the modulation index.
lead to increasing the total system cost and increasing the The phase voltage of each cascaded H-bridge inverter of
switching losses. The DC-DC converter is able to track the phases b and c can be given as
MPP for each PV module and hence improve efficiency
and for voltage amplification if needed. In this paper, the vBN = Nma V dcH sin wt − 120∘ ,
DC-DC isolated Ćuk converter is used. The presence of a 2
high-frequency isolation transformer within the DC-DC vCN = Nma V dcH sin wt + 120∘
converter is for safety purposes. In addition, it is known
that the H-bridge suffers from leakage current that may On the other hand, by applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law,
be introduced due to the presence of parasitic capacitance the line-line voltages are given as
between the PV panel and the earth. This leakage current
will cause distortion to the grid current, higher losses, and U AB = jωLs ia + vsAB − jωLs ib ,
safety and electromagnetic interference problems. There-
fore, the galvanic isolation will solve this problem and pre- U BC = jωLs ib + vsBC − jωLs ic , 3
vent leakage current. U CA = jωLs ic + vsCA − jωLs ia ,
2.2. Three-Phase Cascaded Voltage-Source MLI Using Inductors.
The proposed three-phase cascaded VSI topology is dis- where
played in Figure 3. The system is used for grid-connected
PV applications and consists of the three two-level VSI units. vsAB = vsA − vsB ,
The three units are then connected in such a manner as to
vsBC = vsB − vsC , 4
generate seven-level line-to-line voltage as mentioned in
the Introduction. The circulating current is limited by vsCA = vsC − vsA ,
using a current-limiting inductor Lx . Each VSI unit is con-
nected to PV modules via the DC-DC isolated Ćuk con-
verter. Each PV module is connected to one DC-DC Ćuk vsA = 2V sin ωt,
converter. The DC-DC converter is responsible for tracking vsB = 2V sin ωt − 120∘ , 5
MPP and for voltage amplification if needed. In addition, it
is used for isolation purposes due to the presence of a vsC = 2V sin ωt + 120∘ ,
high-frequency transformer.
where V is the RMS phase voltage of the grid and ω is the fre-
2.3. Three-Phase Cascaded Voltage-Source MLI Using quency of the voltage in radians. ia ,ib , and ic are the currents
Coupled Transformers. The proposed three-phase cascaded injected to the phases a, b, and c, respectively, of the grid.
voltage-source inverter topology is seen in Figure 4. This sys-
tem consists of the three two-level voltage-source inverter 3.1.2. Current Relationships. The current in each phase can be
units. The three units are then connected in such a manner expressed as
as to generate seven-level line-to-line voltage. This topology
was proposed to solve the unbalanced three-phase currents ia 2I sin ωt
inside each two-leg unit of the topology depicted in
Figure 3. The authors [18] solved the problem of unbalanced ib = 2I sin ωt − 120∘ , 6
three-phase currents in each unit by using intermediate
transformers instead of inductors. The coupled transformers
ic 2I sin ωt + 120∘
are characterized by their high magnetization inductance,
which reduces the circulating current inside the converter. where I is the RMS grid current.
4 International Journal of Photoenergy

Grid

Ls VsA
Ia
− +
VsAB

UAB
Ib Ls VsCA VsB
−

UCA
+

UBC
Ls VsBC
+ + + Ic VsC
Q11 Q12 Q11 Q12 Q11 Q12 + −

VdcC1
A B C
VdcA1

CdcA1 CdcB1 n

VdcB1
CdcC1

− Q13 Q14 − Q13 Q14 − Q13 Q14

+ Vc1 − − Vc2 +
L

Ćuk converter

Q21 Q22 Q21 Q22 Q21 Q22 Lr

Cpv
VdcA2

CdcA2 CdcB2
VdcB2
CdcC2

VdcC2
s1
Q23 Q24 Q23 Q24 Q23 Q24

Qn1 Qn2 Qn1 Qn2 Qn1 Qn2

VdcBn
VdcAn

VdcCn
CdcAn CdcBn CdcCn

Qn3 Qn3 Qn4 Qn3 Qn4

Qn4

Figure 2: Three-phase cascaded H-bridge MLI.

a1 ia1

b1 ib1
Vdc1

Cdc1
Grid
c1 ic1
Lx Ia Ls VsA
ia2 − +
a2 VsAB
UAB

Ib Ls VsCA
b2 ib2 VsB
UCA

−
Vdc2

Cdc2 +
c2 ic2
UBC

Ic Ls VsBC
Lx VsC
+ −
Lx
a3 ia3 n
Vdc3

b3 ib3 +
Cdc3 VSI
+ a1
c3 ic3
b1 a1
b1 c1
c1
−
−

Figure 3: Three-phase cascaded VSI using inductors.

3.1.3. Power Relationships. The total apparent power of cas- where VAa , VAb , and VAc are the apparent powers of phases
caded H-bridge cells of each phase can be given as a, b, and c, respectively.
The power of each H-bride cell in one phase is equal,
which can be given as
Nma
VAa = V a I a,rms = V dcH I a,rms ,
2
ma
Nma VAcelli = V xi I x,rms = V dcHi I x,rms , 8
VAb = V b I b,rms = V dcH I b,rms , 7 2
2
Nma
VAc = V c I c,rms = V dcH I c,rms , where x represents the phases a, b, or c and i represents the
2 cell number. It should be noted that this equation is
International Journal of Photoenergy 5

a1 ia1

ib1
b1

Vdc1
Cdc1
Grid
ic21
c1 ix Ia Ls VsA
Unit 1
ia2 − +
a2 VsAB

UAB
Ib Ls VsCA VsB
ib2
b2

UCA
−

Vdc2
Cdc2 ic2 +
c2

UBC
Ic Ls vsBC
iy VsC
+ −
Unit 2
Vdc3
a3 ia3 n

b3 ib3 +
Cdc3 VSI
+ a1
c3 ic3
a1
b1 b1 c1
Unit 3
iz c1
−
−

Figure 4: Three-phase cascaded VSI using coupled transformers.

satisfactory if the DC-link voltage V dcH of each H-bridge where

cell is equal.
V AA = vc3a2 + vc1a1 − va1b1 + va2b2 ,
3.2. Three-Phase Cascaded VSI Using Inductors
V BB = va1b1 + va2b2 − vb2c2 + vb3c3 , 13
3.2.1. Voltage Relationships. The line-to-line voltages of the
inverter are V CC = vb2c2 + vb3c3 − vc3a3 + vc1a1

U AB = va1b1 + vb1a2 + va2b2 , The grid currents can be given as

U BC = vb2c2 + vc2b3 + vb3c3 , 9 ia ia1

U CA = vc3a3 + va3c1 + vc1a1 ib = ib2 14

In the ideal case, the circulating current is small and can ic ic3
be neglected. Therefore, the voltages across the coupling
inductors in the lower configuration can be neglected. Equa- On the other hand, the phase currents of each VSC unit
tion (11) can be written as of Figure 3 satisfy the following equations:

ia1 + ib1 + ic1

3
U AB = ma V dc 10 =0 15
2 ia2 + ib2 + ic2
ia3 + ib3 + ic3
Therefore, the instantaneous line-to-line voltages can be
given as In addition, the currents inside the VSI of Figure 3 have
the following relationships:
vAB = 3ma V dc sin wt,
ib1 ia2
vBC = 3ma V dc sin wt − 120∘ , 11
ic2 = − ib3 16
vCA = 3ma V dc sin wt + 120∘ ,
ia3 ic1
where V dc is the DC-link voltage of each VSI unit.
The line-to-line voltages at the grid side can be repre- From (15) and (16), we get
sented by equations (3)-(5).
ia1 = − ib1 − ia3 ,
3.2.2. Current Relationships. In order to obtain the current
equations of the system, subtracting U CA from U AB in (9), ib2 = − ic2 − ib1 , 17
one gets ic3 = − ia3 − ic2
U AB − U CA + V AA = vb1a2 − va3c1 , Modifying (12) and (13) can get
U BC − U AB + V BB = vc2b3 − vb1a2 , 12
d ia1
U CA − U BC + V CC = va3c1 − vc2b3 , U CA − U AB − V AA = Lx = jωLx ia 18
dt
6 International Journal of Photoenergy

Therefore: Substituting (23) into (22), we get

U CA − U AB − V AA 3 3 3
ia = , U AB = ma V dc + ma V dc + ma V dc
jωLx 2 2 2 2 2 2
24
U AB − U BC − V BB 3 3
ib = , 19 = ma V dc ,
jωLx 2 2
U BC − U CA − V CC
ic =
jωLx where V dc is the DC-link voltage across each VSI unit.
In addition, equation (22) can be written as
Equation (19) defines the phase currents injected into
the grid. 3
In addition, the phase currents flowing in the inductors vAB = 3ma V dc sin wt,
2
can be defined as 3
vBC = 3ma V dc sin wt − 120∘ , 25
2
i − i + vb1c1 + va3b3 + vc2a2 /jωLx
ib1 = b a , 3
3 vCA = 3ma V dc sin wt + 120∘
2
i − i + vb1c1 + va3b3 + vc2a2 /jωLx
ic2 = c b , 20
3
The line-to-line voltages at the grid side can be repre-
i − i + vb1c1 + va3b3 + vc2a2 /jωLx sented by the equations (3)-(5).
ia3 = a c ,
3
3.3.2. Current Relationships. The line currents injected to the
where ia , ib , and ic are the phase currents of the phases a, grid can be given as
b, and c, respectively, and their values could be obtained
from (19). ia1 I<0
3.2.3. Power Relationships. The apparent powers of units 1, 2, ib2 = I<−120∘ , 26
and 3 are ∘
ic3 I < 120
3
VAc1 = 3V a1b1 I a,rms = 3 ma V dc I a,rms where I is the rms phase current.
2 2
On the other hand, the phase currents of each VSC unit
3 of Figure 4 satisfy the following equations:
= ma V dc I a,rms ,
2 2
3 ia1 + ib1 + ic1
VAc2 = 3V a2b2 I b,rms = 3 ma V dc I b,rms 21
2 2 ia2 + ib2 + ic2 =0 27
3 ia3 + ib3 + ic3
= ma V dc I b,rms ,
2 2
3 In addition, the currents of each unit in the configuration
VAc3 = ma V dc I c,rms of Figure 4 can be expressed as
2 2

3.3. Three-Phase Cascaded VSI Using Coupled Transformers ia1 ia2 ia3 iy − ix

3.3.1. Voltage Relationships. The line-to-line voltages of the ib1 = ib2 = ib3 = ix − iz , 28
inverter are ic1 ic2 ic3 iz − iy

U AB = va1b1 + vb1a2 + va2b2 ,

U BC = vb2c2 + vc2b3 + vb3c3 ,
U CA = vc3a3 + va3c1 + vc1a1
Due to the transformer action,
where ix , iy , and iz are the currents flowing in the primary
22
windings of the coupled transformers as shown in Figure 4.
Assuming the magnetizing inductance of the coupled
transformers is high enough that the circulating current is
zero, therefore,

vb1a2 = va3b3 23 ix + iy + iz = 0 29
International Journal of Photoenergy 7

From (27), (28), and (29), the currents in each unit can be Table 1: The system parameter.
given as
The system parameters used for simulation
DC-link capacitor 4 mF
ia1 ia2 ia3 I < 0∘ Grid interface inductor Ls 4.2 mH
ib1 = ib2 = ib3 = I<−120∘ 30 DC-DC Ćuk converter switching frequency f s 40 kHz
∘ Inverter switching frequency f inv 1.5 kHz
ic1 ic2 ic3 I < 120
Grid-rated RMS voltage 120 V
Reference voltage of configuration A 70 V
3.3.3. Power Relationships. The apparent powers of units 1, 2,
and 3 are Reference voltage of configuration B 150 V
Reference voltage of configuration C 110 V
The system parameters used for experiment
3 DC-link capacitor 4 mF
VAc1 = 3V a1b1 I a,rms = 3 ma V dc I a,rms
2 2 Grid interface inductor Ls 4.2 mH
3 DC-DC Ćuk converter switching frequency f s 40 kHz
= ma V dc I a,rms ,
2 2 Inverter switching frequency f inv 1.5 kHz
Reference voltage of configurations A, B, and C 40 V
3 31
VAc2 = 3V a2b2 I b,rms = 3 ma V dc I b,rms Grid-rated RMS voltage of configuration A 55 V
2 2
Grid-rated RMS voltage of configuration B 33 V
3 Grid-rated RMS voltage of configuration C 44 V
= ma V dc I b,rms ,
2 2
3
VAc3 = ma V dc I c,rms Table 2: The PV module parameters.
2 2
Maximum power (Pmax ) 245 W
4. Simulation Setup and the Control Schemes Maximum power voltage (V max ) 28.8 V
Maximum power current (I max ) 8.5 A
The three presented topologies described in Section 2 were Open-circuit voltage (V oc ) 31.5 V
built in the SIMULINK environment. For best MPPT Short-circuit current (I sc ) 9.5 A
achievement, the AC module inverter topology is considered.
Each proposed configuration is a multilevel inverter consist-
ing of two power-processing stages: DC-DC isolated con- Assuming that the control system accurately regulates the
verter and inverter. In configuration A, each H-bridge cell DC-link voltages, then
is connected into two DC-DC converters and one PV module
is connected to each DC-DC converter. On the other hand, V dcA = V dcB = V dcC = V dctot , 32
each unit in configurations B and C is connected to six
DC-DC converters. The DC-DC converter is responsible where V dcA , V dcB , and V dcC are the equivalent DC voltages
for tracking MPP for one PV module; hence, optimal MPPT across the DC-link capacitors connected to phases a, b and
can be achieved. The isolated DC-DC converter is also used c, respectively.
for galvanic isolation at high frequency. The three presented The modeling technique is based on Kirchhoff’s law of
topologies are used for grid-connected PV systems. Eighteen the MLI in the dq frame, so that one gets
PV modules are considered for each configuration. The sys-
tem parameters used for the simulation are shown in
did
Table 1, while Table 2 shows the PV modules’ parameters. V d = Ls − ωLs iq + dnd V dctot ,
dt
33
4.1. Control Scheme of the Cascaded H-Bridge MLI Topology. diq
The main aim of the inverter controller is to generate the V q = Ls + ωLs id + dnq V dctot ,
dt
reference currents to provide only available active power
at the DC links to the grid with zero reactive power in order where d nX is defined as the sequential function and is
to guarantee unity power factor. The DC links C dcA1 ,
given by
C dcA2 , … , CdcAN share the same active grid current of phase
a. On the other hand, the DC links C dcB1 , C dcB2 , … , C dcBN
share the same active grid current of phase b. In addition, d nA CA
1
the DC links CdcC1 , C dcC2 , … , C dcCN share the same active dnB = CB − C + CB + CC , 34
grid current of phase c. The DC-link voltages of these capac- 3 A
itors are compared with their respective reference voltages. d nC CC
8 International Journal of Photoenergy
where CA , CB , and C C are the equivalent DC-link capaci-
tors connected to phases a, b, and c, respectively.
The DC current can be defined as
dV dctot
Cdc = d nd id + d nq iq
dt
A new equivalent model can be introduced to analyze the
nonlinearity problems. These inputs may be written as
ud = ωLs iq − d nd V dctot + V d ,
uq = − ωLs id − d nq V dctot + V q
As stated above, the active current id is responsible for
regulating the DC-link voltages and compensates for losses
in the dissipative elements of the inverter. In addition, the
reactive current iq should be set to zero to guarantee unity
power factor. Therefore, equation (35) can be written as
dV dctot
udc = Cdc = d nd id ,
dt
udc
id =
d nd
In normal operation and under accurate current loop
control, the following properties apply:
3 reference active current. On the other hand, the reference
V d ≈ dnd V dctot = dnd V dctot = V ,
2 max
where V max is the maximum value of the grid voltage.
Replacing (39) into (38), one gets
2 udc
id = V 40
3 V max dctot
The id current is the active current, which is responsible
for regulating the DC-link capacitors of each phase. From
(40), the active reference current which is responsible for reg-
ulating the DC-link capacitors of phase a can be expressed as
2 udcA
idA = V 41
3 V max dcA
The reference active current of the grid is the sum of the
three id active currents:
2 udcA 2 udcB
idref = idA + idB + idC = V +
3 V max dcA 3 V max dcB
2 udcC
+ V
3 V max dcC
The proposed control scheme based on the analysis
above is shown in Figure 5. The reference active current of
the grid idref is compared with the actual active grid current,
id . The resulting error is inserted into the PI controller in
order to keep the actual active current following the reference
active current. On the other hand, the reference reactive cur-
rent of the grid (iqref = 0) is compared with the actual reactive
grid current iq to guarantee unity power factor. The resulting
35
signals, d nd and dnq , obtained from equation (36), are trans-
formed into abc reference signals (V refa , V ref b , and V ref c ).
These signals are then used to generate switching pulses to
drive the IGBTs of the proposed cascaded H-bridge MLI by
comparing them with the phase-shifted triangular carrier
36 waveforms. The phase-shift PWM (PSPWM) modulation
technique causes equal sharing of losses among different
switches. In addition, PSPWM needs only one carrier signal
to generate the various necessary switching signals and helps
to reduce the THD in the generated MLI output voltage.
4.2. Control Scheme of the Three-Phase Cascaded VSI
Topologies. The same control scheme described in the previ-
ous section is used to control the cascaded three-phase VSI
topologies described in Figures 3 and 4. This control scheme
37 is shown in Figure 6. The DC links C dc1 , C dc2 , and C dc3 of the
topology shown in Figure 4 share the same active grid cur-
rent. The DC-link voltages of these capacitors are compared
38 with their respective reference voltages. The reference active
current of the grid idref , which represents the summation of
the comparison errors, is compared with the actual active
grid current id . The resulting error is inserted into the PI con-
troller in order to keep the actual active current following the
39
reactive current of the grid (iqref = 0) is compared with the
actual reactive grid current iq to guarantee unity power fac-
tor. The resulting error is inserted into another PI controller,
then transformed into abc reference voltage signals (V ref a ,
V ref b , and V ref c ). These signals are used to generate switching
pulses to drive the IGBTs of the proposed three-phase
cascaded VSI topology by comparing them with the
phase-shifted triangular carrier waveforms. The carrier trian-
gular signal of unit 2 is shifted by Ts/3 from unit 1, and the
carrier signal corresponding to unit 3 is shifted by Ts/3 from
that corresponding to unit 2.
5. Simulation Analysis
5.1. Simulation Results. Simulation results of the three pro-
posed configurations are carried out by using the SIMUNLINK
environment. The system parameters used for simulation are
shown in Table 1, while Table 2 shows the PV module param-
eters. To better describe the results, configuration A is assigned
for the CHB MLI topology shown in Figure 2, configuration
B is assigned for the three-phase cascaded VSI topology
V
using inductor topology shown in Figure 3, and configura-
tion C is assigned for the topology depicted in Figure 4.
5.1.1. Simulation Results of the Configuration A. In this con-
42 figuration, for simplicity, three H-bridge cells are used per
phase to generate three-phase seven-level voltages. The
three-phase seven-level voltage generated by configuration
A is shown in Figure 7(a). Figure 7(b) illustrates the grid volt-
age and the grid current of the CHB MLI. It is clear that the
International Journal of Photoenergy 9

Grid

Ls Vsa
A ia
DC-DC
isolated ĆUK − +
converter VsAB
MPPT Vsb
ib Ls VsCA
DC-DC B −
isolated ĆUK MLI +
converter
MPPT ic VsBC Vsc
DC-DC C Ls
+ −
isolated ĆUK
converter
MPPT

VdcA1 DC-link voltage VsA

VdcA1 controller 𝜃
Abc/dq PLL VsB
VdcAN phase a
Vref
VsC
Udcb 1
VdcAN PI iq id
× 3/2
Vref
VdcB1 DC-link voltage
controller
VdcB1 phase b
VdcBN
Vref 𝜔L
Udcb ud 1
1 PI Vdc⁎
PI
VdcBN × 3/2 × 3/2
Vrefa
Vref
dq/abc Vrefb
VdcC1 DC-link voltage 𝜔L u
q 1 Vrefc
controller PI Vdc⁎
VdcC1 0
VdcCN phase c 0
Vref 0
Udcc 1 Current Controller
PI
VdcCN × 3/2 𝜃
Vref

Figure 5: The proposed control strategy of cascaded H-bridge MLI topology.

Grid

IA Ls VsA
A
DC-DC
isolated ĆUK − +
converter VsAB
MPPT B IB Ls VsCA VsB
DC-DC −
isolated ĆUK MLI +
converter
MPPT IC VsBC
DC-DC C Ls VsC
isolated ĆUK + −
converter
MPPT

VsA
𝜃
Abc/dq PLL VsB
VsC
Iq Id

DC-link voltage 𝜔L ud 1
VdcA
controller PI Vdc⁎
VdcB × 3/2
VdcA Vrefa
VdcC
Vref dq/abc Vrefb
VdcB 1 𝜔L
PI uq 1 Vrefc
× 3/2
Vref 0 PI Vdc⁎
VdcC 0
Vref 0
Current controller
𝜃

Figure 6: The proposed control strategy of three-phase cascaded VSI topologies.

control system is working perfectly and the grid currents are
in phase with the grid voltages.
5.1.2. Simulation Results of the Configuration B. On the
other hand, the same parameters listed in Tables 1 and 2
are used to simulate the proposed system depicted in
Figure 3, with a reference DC-link voltage of 150 V. The
generated seven-level line-line voltage is illustrated in
Figure 8(a). The three-phase grid voltages and the grid cur-
rents are in phase, as can be seen in Figure 8(b).
10 International Journal of Photoenergy

200

Grid voltage (V),

grid current (A)
100
0

250 −100
−200
200
VsA
5⁎Ia
Three-phase generated voltages (V)

150
200

Grid voltage (V),

grid current (A)
100
100
50 0
0 −100
−200
−50
VsB
−100 5⁎Ib
200

Grid voltage (V),

grid current (A)
−150
100
−200 0
−250 −100
0.88 0.885 0.89 0.895 0.9 0.905 0.91 0.915 −200
Time (sec.) 0.79 0.8 0.81 0.82 0.83 0.84 0.85
Time (sec.)
VAN
VBN VsC
VCN 5⁎Ic
(a) (b)

Figure 7: (a) Simulation results of three-phase voltage generated from configuration A. (b) Simulation results of grid voltages and grid
currents of configuration A.

200
Grid voltage (V),
grid current (A)

100
0
−100
400
−200
Three-phase line-line generated voltages (V)

300 VsA
5⁎Ia
200 200
Grid voltage (V),
grid current (A)

100
100
0
0 −100
−200
−100 VsB
5⁎Ib
−200 200
Grid voltage (V),
grid current (A)

100
−300
0
−400 −100
0.46 0.47 0.48 0.49 0.5 0.51 0.52 −200
Time (sec.) 0.48 0.49 0.5 0.51 0.52 0.53 0.54 0.55 0.56 0.57
Time (sec.)
VAB
VBC VsC
VCA 5⁎Ic
(a) (b)

Figure 8: (a) Simulation results of three-phase voltage generated from configuration B. (b) Simulation results of grid voltages and grid
currents of configuration B.
International Journal of Photoenergy 11

Grid voltage (V),

grid current (A)
200
100
0
−100
400 −200
VsA
Three-phase line-line generated voltages (V)

300 5⁎Ia

Grid voltage (V),

200

grid current (A)

200 100
0
100 −100
−200
0 −300
VsB
−100
5⁎Ib
−200 200

Grid voltage (V),

grid current (A)
100
−300
0
−400 −100
0.64 0.645 0.65 0.655 0.66 0.665 0.67 −200
0.71 0.72 0.73 0.74 0.75 0.76 0.77
Time (sec.)
Time (sec.)
VAB
VBC VsC
VCA 5⁎Ic
(a) (b)

Figure 9: (a) Simulation results of three-phase voltage generated from configuration C. (b) Simulation results of grid voltages and grid
currents of from configuration C.

5.1.3. Simulation Results of the Configuration C. On the other Table 3: Comparison of number of switches and stresses.
hand, the system topology depicted in Figure 4 is simulated
under the same conditions as the other two topologies. The A B C
generated seven-level line-line voltages of this topology are Number of switches 36 18 18
revealed in Figure 9(a). On the other hand, the three-phase Number of inductors 0 3 0
grid voltages and the grid currents are in phase, as seen in Number of coupled
Figure 9(b). 0 0 3
transformers
Voltage stress 2V/3 3 2V/ 3 2V/ 3
5.2. Simulation Comparison. The three topologies are similar
in modular structure and isolated DC buses, and a compari- X: I rms / 3
Current stress I rms I rms
son is drawn between them, achieved under the same output Y: I rms
power and the same grid voltage.

5.2.1. Comparison according to the Number of Switches and stress on the switches connected to the grid (X switches) of
Switch Stresses. The voltage stress on the switches of configu- configuration B is the total RMS grid current, while the cur-
rations A, B, and C is shown in Table 3. The following sym- rent stress on the other switches (Y switches) is the maximum
bols in the table have the following meanings: current flowing in the inductors, which is I rms / 3. This is
because the line currents of each VSI unit in configuration
V: The RMS value of the line-line grid voltage, B are not balanced. On the other hand, the current stresses
I: The RMS value of the line grid current, on the switches in configuration C are the total RMS grid
current. This is because the circulating currents inside
X: Switches of the legs, which are directly connected, configuration C are very low due to higher magnetization
to the grid (switches of legs a1, b2, and c3 in inductances of the coupled transformers. Therefore, the
Figures 3 and 4), three-phase currents in each unit in configuration C are
Y: Other switches in the configuration. balanced. From another point of view, the voltage ratings of
the switches of configurations B and C are higher than those
The current stress on the switches in configuration A is in the voltage stress on the switches of configuration A, which
the total RMS grid current. On the other hand, the current in turn increases the total cost of these topologies.
12 International Journal of Photoenergy

95 10.5
9.5

THD grid current (%)

90 8.5
Efficiency (%)

7.5
85 6.5
5.5
80 4.5
3.5
75 2.5
1.5
70 0.5
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000
Rated power (W)
Rated power (W)
Configuration A
Configuration A Configuration B
Configuration B Configuration C
Configuration C
(a)
Figure 10: Efficiency comparison. 30
28

THD VLL (%)

5.2.2. Comparison according to the Efficiency. In this part, the 26
three topologies are compared to each other under the same 24
power levels and the same grid voltage. The total number of
22
PV modules in each configuration is 18 modules. Each PV
module is connected to one DC-DC isolated Ćuk converter. 20
Figure 10 shows the efficiency comparison of the three topol- 18
ogies under the same rated power. At a higher power, the 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000
efficiency of configuration A is lower than the efficiency of Rated power (W)
configuration B. This is because of the higher number of
switches in configuration A. On the other hand, the efficiency Configuration A
Configuration B
of configuration C is the lowest due to the presence of three
Configuration C
coupled transformers, which increases system losses.
(b)
5.2.3. Comparison according to the THD of the Voltage and Figure 11: (a) Comparison according to the THD of the grid
Current. The change of THD of the grid current in the three current. (b) Comparison according to the THD of the line-line
configurations with the rated power is revealed in Figure 11(a). voltages.
As shown in this figure, with increasing power, the THD of
the current improves. In addition, the THD of the current
3
in configuration C is the lowest compared to the other two
Mag (% of fundamental)

configurations. On the other hand, Figure 11(b) reveals the 2.5

changing in the THD of the line-line voltage with the rated
2
power. The THD of the generated line-line voltage of config-
uration C has the least magnitude compared to the other 1.5
configurations. 1
The harmonic spectrum of the grid current in all config-
urations, at rated power 5400 W, can be seen in Figure 12. 0.5
It is noted that the magnitudes of the harmonic contents 0
of the grid current in configuration C are lower than the 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
magnitudes of the harmonic contents of the configurations Harmonic order
A and B.
Conf. A
Conf. B
6. Experimental Setup Conf. C

With the aim of validating the performance of the proposed
topologies, each has been built in the laboratory and experi-
mentally connected to the grid. The block diagrams of the
presented topologies used in the experimental setup are
depicted in Figures 13 and 14.
As shown in Figure 13, for simplicity, only two H-bridge
cells are used in each phase in the CHB topology. In addition,
one PV module is connected to one DC-DC isolated Ćuk
Figure 12: Harmonic spectrum of the grid current (I a ).
converter. The isolated Ćuk converter is then connected to
the H-bridge cell. Therefore, six PV modules and six
DC-DC isolated Ćuk converters are used to implement con-
figuration A. On the other hand, three PV modules and three
DC-DC isolated Ćuk converters are used to implement
International Journal of Photoenergy 13

Grid
Va
Ia Ls

Ib Ls Vb

Isolated ĆUK converter + CHB MLI

Isolated ĆUK converter + CHB MLI

Ic Ls Vc
+ Q11
Q12

VdcA1
CdcA1
Cpv Lr A B C
s1
Q1X − Q13 Q14

L
+ Q21 Q22
VdcA2

Cpv Lr
CdcA2

s2
Q1X − Q23 Q24

Figure 13: Experimental setup of configuration A.

a1 ia1

Cpv Lr b1 ib1
Vdc1
Cdc1

s1 Grid
Q1X c1 ic1
Lx Ia Ls Va

a2 ia2
Ib Ls Vb
PV module b2 ib2
Vdc2
Cdc2

+
c2 ic2
Isolated ĆUK converter Ic Ls Vc
Lx
Lx
ia3 +
a3 VSI
+ a1
PV module b3 ib3 a1
Vdc3
Cdc3

+ b1 b1 c1
Isolated ĆUK converter c3 ic3
c1
−
−

Figure 14: Experimental setup of configuration B.

configurations B and C, as shown in Figure 14. The DC
side of configuration C is the same as the DC side of con-
figuration B.
The parameters of the PV module used in the experiment
are shown in Table 2. Data acquisition and the control system
are implemented by using the DS1202 MicroLabBox system,
produced by dSPACE. The required switching pulses are
generated inside the SIMUNLINK environment and then
sent to the IGBTs via the DS1202 board. The parameters used
in the hardware setup are listed in Table 1. Figure 15 reveals
the hardware setup of the proposed configurations.
7. Experimental Results
The proposed topology has been built in the laboratory and
experimentally connected to the grid via a 5 mH interface
inductor. The whole closed-loop control scheme is built
inside the SIMUNLINK environment, and the resulting
reference signals, V refa , V refb , and V refc , are applied to the
phase-shifted PWM blocks. The resulting PWM pulses are
then sent to the IGBTs via the DS1202 board.
7.1. Experimental Results of Configuration A
7.1.1. Closed-Loop Control for the Grid-Connected PV System.
In this test condition, the configuration A depicted in
Figure 13 is connected to the grid. In order to eliminate the
adverse effect of the mismatches and increase the efficiency
of the PV system, distributed MPPT is used. The PV modules
are controlled independently to achieve optimal MPPT. The
maximum power tracked of the six PV modules used in this
configuration is seen in Figure 16(a). On the other hand, the
control scheme depicted in Figure 5 is used in the experi-
ment. The MLI topology is well-controlled, and the
DC-link voltages are kept at the reference voltages as demon-
strated in Figure 16(b). The oscilloscope measurements of the
generated three-phase voltages are displayed in Figure 17. In
addition, the three-phase currents are measured by using a
Hall-Effect current sensor, model LTS 25-NP, and the
14 International Journal of Photoenergy

IGBTs and DC-link

capacitors

IGBT drives DC-DC isolated ĆUK

converters

Level shift
circuits

Measurment
sensors

MicroLabBox Coupled transformers

PV modules

Figure 15: Hardware setup of the proposed topologies.

140
VDC6 (V) VDC5 (V) VDC4 (V) VDC3 (V) VDC2 (V) VDC1 (V)

60
P1 (W)

120 50
100 40
80 30
140 60
P2 (W)

120 50
100 40
80 30
140 60
P3 (W)

120 50
100 40
80 30
140 60
P4 (W)

120 50
100 40
80 30
140 60
P5 (W)

120 50
100 40
80 30
140 60
P6 (W)

120 50
100 40
80 30
80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160

Time (sec.) Time (sec.)

(a) (b)

Figure 16: (a) DC-link voltages. (b) Maximum power point tracking of the PV modules.
International Journal of Photoenergy 15

Figure 17: Experimental three-phase voltages generated from configuration A.

10 100
Voltage (V),
current (A)
50
8
0
6 −50
−100
4
Grid currents (A)

5⁎Ia
2
VsA
0 100
Voltage (V),
current (A)

50
−2
0
−4 −50
−100
−6
5⁎Ib
−8
VsB
−10 100
Voltage (V),
current (A)
200

200.005

200.01

200.015

200.02

200.025

200.03

200.035

200.04

200.045

200.05

50
0
−50
−100
Time (sec.)
200

200.005

200.01

200.015

200.02

200.025

200.03

200.035

200.04

200.045

200.05
Ia
Ib
Ic Time (sec.)
5⁎I c
VsC
(a) (b)

Figure 18: (a) Experimental three-phase grid currents of configuration A. (b) Experimental grid voltages and grid currents of configuration
A.

resulting signals are plotted in the control desk of the dSPACE to the unequally received irradiance, different tempera-
software. These signals are illustrated in Figure 18(a). The tures, and aging of the PV panels, the MPP of each PV
topology is carefully controlled to keep the grid currents in module may be different. If each PV module is not con-
phase with the grid voltages; therefore, the power factor is trolled independently, the efficiency of the overall PV sys-
kept in unity, as shown in Figure 18(b). tem will be decreased.
The separate DC links in the cascaded H-bridge multi-
7.1.2. Distributed and Nondistributed MPPT for level inverter make independent voltage control possible.
Grid-Connected PV System. In this section, the cascaded Therefore, the distributed MPPT is used in this system. The
H-bridge MLI (configuration A) is tested under distributed perturbation and observation (P&O) MPPT algorithm is
MPPT as well as under nondistributed MPPT. PV mis- used to extract the maximum power of each PV module. As
match is an important issue in the PV system, and due stated earlier, in order to use distributed MPPT, each PV
16 International Journal of Photoenergy

140
P6 (W) P5 (W) P4 (W) P3 (W) P2 (W) P1 (W)
100
50 700
0
140
120 650
100
140
120 600

PT (W)
100
140
550
120
100
140 500
120
100
140 450
120
100 400
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Time (sec.) Time (sec.)

(a) (b)

Figure 19: (a) Distributed MPPT control of all PV modules under shading. (b) Total power extracted from the whole PV modules.

VDC6 (V) VDC5 (V) VDC4 (V) VDC3 (V) VDC2 (V) VDC1 (V)
module is connected to one DC-DC isolated Ćuk converter. 50

To show the necessity of individual MPPT control, the PV 0

module of the H-bridge cell 1 in phase a is covered. The max- 60
imum power extracted from each PV module is demon- 40
20
strated in Figure 19(a).
As shown in this figure, the PV power of module 1, 60
which is connected to the first H-bridge cell in phase a of 40
20
configuration A, is reduced to approximately zero, while
60
the maximum power of the other PV modules remains at 40
their MPP. This is the advantage of the distributed MPP, 20

where control of each PV module is independent of the 60

other PV modules and the maximum power will be optimal. 40
20
Figure 19(b) reveals the total power extracted from whole
PV modules connected to configuration A. The total power 60
40
extracted was about 670 W before covering the PV module. 20
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
When the PV module is covered, the total power was
Time (sec.)
reduced to about 570 W.
Figure 20 reveals the DC-link voltages of the six H-bridge Figure 20: DC-link voltages with distributed MPPT control.
cells of configuration A. The DC-link voltages are controlled
and kept constant at the reference voltage 40 V. As shown in
this figure, only the DC-link voltage VDC1 is reduced from 7.2. Experimental Results of Configuration B. In this test, the
40 V to 7 V, while the DC-link voltages of the other configuration B depicted in Figure 14 is connected to the grid
H-bridge cells are not much affected. via a 5 mH interface inductor. As in configuration A, distrib-
From another point of view, in order to verify the impor- uted MPPT is used, in which PV modules are controlled
tance of individually controlling the PV modules, nondistrib- independently to achieve best MPPT. The control scheme
uted MPPT is also used to extract the maximum power of all depicted in Figure 6 is used in this experimental test. The
PV modules in the proposed system. The PV voltage and the resulting reference signals,V ref a , V ref b , and V ref c , are applied
PV current of the PV module of the H-bridge cell 1 in phase a to the phase-shifted PWM block. The resulting PWM pulses
are experimentally measured to be used in the P&O MPPT are then sent to the IGBTs via the DS1202 board.
algorithm. The resulting duty cycle from the MPPT algo- The control system is used to keep the DC-link voltages
rithm is then used to drive the IGBTs of the whole DC-DC of the three units of configuration B at the reference voltages.
isolated Ćuk converters in the system. Again, the PV module The oscilloscope measurements of the three-phase line-line
of H-bridge cell 1 is covered. The power extracted of the voltages generated from this configuration are seen in
other PV modules is illustrated in Figure 21(a). As shown Figure 23.
in this figure, the power extracted from the PV modules is On the other hand, the experimental three-phase grid
decreased to zero due to the MPPT not being individualized. currents, measured by Hall-Effect current sensors, can be
The total power extracted from the PV modules is decreased seen in Figure 24(a). The topology is well-controlled to keep
to zero at the instance of covering the PV module as demon- the grid currents in phase with the grid voltages, and the
strated in Figure 21(b). In addition, the DC-link voltages are power factor is thus kept in unity, as can be seen in
displayed in Figure 22. Figure 24(b). As mentioned earlier, the three-phase currents
International Journal of Photoenergy 17

700
P6 (W) P5 (W) P4 (W) P3 (W) P2 (W) P1(W)

100
50
0 600

100
50 500
0
100 400

PT (W)
50
0
100 300
50
0
200
100
50
0 100
100
50
0 0
0 50 100 150 200 250 0 50 100 150 200 250
Time (sec.) Time (sec.)

(a) (b)

Figure 21: (a) Nondistributed MPPT control of PV modules under shading. (b) Total power extracted from the whole PV modules.
VDC2 (V) VDC1 (V)

60
40
20

60
40
20
VDC6 (V) VDC5 (V) VDC4 (V) VDC3 (V)

60
40
20

60
40
20

60
40
20

60
40
20

0 50 100 150 200 250

Time (sec.)

Figure 22: DC-link voltages with nondistributed MPPT control.

Figure 23: Experimental three-phase line-line voltages generated from configuration B.

18 International Journal of Photoenergy

100

Voltage (V),
current (A)
50
0
−50
−100
5⁎Ia
6
VsA
100

Voltage (V),
4

current (A)
50
Grid currents (A)

0
2
−50
−100
0
5⁎Ib
−2 VsB
100

Voltage (V),
current (A)
−4 50
0
−6 −50
−100
100 100.01 100.02 100.03 100.04 100.05 100.06 100.07 100 100.01 100.02 100.03 100.04 100.05 100.06 100.07
Time (sec.) Time (sec.)
Ia 5⁎Ic
Ib VsC
Ic
(a) (b)

Figure 24: (a) Experimental three-phase grid currents of configuration B. (b) Experimental grid voltages and grid currents of configuration B.

6
6

4 4
Circulating current (A)

2 2
Unit 1 currents (A)

0
0

−2
−2
−4
−4
−6
−6
−8
100 100.01 100.02 100.03 100.04 100.05 100.06 100.07 100.08 100.09 100.1
100 100.01 100.02 100.03 100.04 100.05 100.06 100.07
Time (sec.)
Time (sec.)

Ia1
Ib1
Ic1

(a) (b)

Figure 25: (a) The current inside unit 1 of configuration B. (b) The circulating current inside configuration B.

of each unit in configuration B are not balanced. The controlled independently to achieve best MPPT using dis-
three-phase currents of unit 1 are displayed in Figure 25(a). tributed MPPT.
Due to the currents in each unit not being balanced, the cir- The oscilloscope measurements of the three-phase
culating current flowing in the inductors is high, as can be line-line voltages generated from this configuration are
seen in Figure 25(b). depicted in Figure 26. On the other hand, the experimental
three-phase grid currents are shown in Figure 27(a). The
7.3. Experimental Results of Configuration C. In this test, con- topology is controlled to keep the grid currents in phase with
figuration C is also connected to the grid via a 5 mH interface the grid voltages, and thus, the power factor is kept in unity,
inductor. The system parameters used for this experiment are as demonstrated in Figure 27(b). As mentioned earlier, the
shown in Table 1. As in configuration A, the PV modules are three-phase currents of each unit in configuration C are
International Journal of Photoenergy 19

Figure 26: Experimental three-phase line-line voltages generated from configuration C.

Voltage (V), 100

current (A) 50
0
−50
−100
5⁎Ia
6 VsA
100
Voltage (V),
current (A)

4 50
0
Grid currents (A)

2 −50
−100
0
5⁎Ib
−2 VsB
100
Voltage (V),
current (A)

−4 50
0
−6 −50
−100
100

100.01

100.02

100.03

100.04

100.05

100.06

100.07

100.08

100.09

100.1
100

100.01

100.02

100.03

100.04

100.05

100.06

100.07

100.08

100.09

100.1

Time (sec.) Time (sec.)

Ia 5⁎I c
VsC
Ib
Ic
(a) (b)

Figure 27: (a) The three-phase grid currents of configuration C. (b) Grid voltages and grid currents of configuration C.

symmetrical and balanced. The three-phase currents of unit 1 The harmonic spectrum of the generated voltages of con-
are displayed in Figure 28(a). Due to the currents in each unit figurations A, B, and C is plotted in Figure 29(a). As shown in
being symmetrical and balanced, the circulating current flow- this figure, the magnitudes of the harmonic contents of the
ing in the inductors is very low, as illustrated in Figure 28(b). voltage generated from configuration A are the worst com-
pared to the other configurations. This is because the number
8. Experimental Comparison of voltage levels generated from configuration A is five levels,
while the number of voltage levels generated from configura-
The three configurations are experimentally compared to tions B and C each are seven levels. On the other hand, the
each other according to the THD of the generated voltage harmonic contents of the voltage generated by configuration
and according to the THD of the grid current. Table 4 shows C have the fewest magnitudes. The harmonic spectrum of the
the magnitude of the THD of the generated voltages, as well grid current of configurations A, B, and C can be seen in
as the grid current for the three configurations. Figure 29(b). As shown in this figure, the magnitudes of the
20 International Journal of Photoenergy

1
6
0.8

4 0.6

0.4

Circulating current (A)

2
Unit 1 currents (A)

0.2

0 0

−0.2
−2
−0.4

−4 −0.6

−0.8
−6
−1
100 100.01 100.02 100.03 100.04 100.05 100.06 100.07 100.08 100.09 100.1 100 100.01 100.02 100.03 100.04 100.05 100.06 100.07 100.08 100.09 100.1

Time (sec.) Time (sec.)

Ia1
Ib1
Ic1

(a) (b)

Figure 28: (a) The current inside unit 1 of configuration C. (b) The circulating current inside configuration C.

Table 4: THD experimental comparison.

Configuration THD of the generated voltage THD of the grid current

A 33.19% Figure 17 4.6% Figure 18(a)
B 26.48% Figure 23 4.83% Figure 24(a)
C 21.38% Figure 26 4.2% Figure 27(a)

10 10
9 9
8 8
Mag (% of fundamental)
Mag (% of fundamental)

7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Harmonic order Harmonic order
Conf. A Conf. A
Conf. B Conf. B
Conf. C Conf. C
(a) (b)

Figure 29: (a) Experimental harmonic spectrums of voltage generated. (b) Experimental harmonic spectrums of grid current (I a ).

harmonic contents of the grid current of configuration C 9. Conclusion

are the lowest compared to configurations A and B. In addi-
tion, the magnitudes of the harmonic contents of configura- Three-cascaded multilevel inverter configurations have
tion B are the highest. This conclusion coincides with the been used to connect PV modules to the grid, as presented
comparison conclusion of the simulation results displayed in this paper. The proposed topologies are three-phase
in Figure 12. cascaded H-bridge MLI topology, three-phase cascaded
International Journal of Photoenergy
voltage-source inverter topology using inductors, and
three-phase cascaded voltage-source inverter topology using
coupled transformers. The proposed configurations are
based on the AC module topology in which only one PV
module is connected to one DC-DC isolated Ćuk converter
for optimal MPPT achievement. In addition, galvanic isola-
tion is included per module to eliminate leakage current
due to parasitic capacitance and to decouple the second har-
monic voltage ripple. The SIMULINK environment has been
used to simulate the presented topologies. The simulation
results show that the presented topologies are functioning
well in improving power grid quality. The proposed control
schemes are functioning well to keep the DC-link voltages
at their reference voltages. The control methods can generate
a sinusoidal grid current in phase with the grid voltage, and
the THD of grid current is within the acceptable range.
Experimental implementation of the proposed topologies
has been achieved in this paper. Data acquisition and the
control are achieved with the help of MicroLabBox, produced
by dSPACE. Comparison of the three topologies has been
achieved in this paper, by simulation and by experiment.
The comparison of the proposed configurations shows that
the efficiency of the three-phase cascaded VSI using induc-
tors is higher than the efficiency of the cascaded H-bridge.
In addition, the three-phase cascaded VSI using coupled
transformers has the worst efficiency due to the presence of
three coupled transformers in the configuration. However,
the THD of the generated voltage and the grid current of
the three-phase cascaded VSI using coupled transformers
are the lowest compared to those of the other two topologies.
The simulation and experimental results and comparisons
are presented to verify the proposed topologies’ effectiveness
and reliability.
Data Availability
The data used to support the findings of this study are
available from the corresponding author upon request.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest
regarding the publication of this paper.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their thanks and gratitude
to King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
for provision of financial and technical support for this study.
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