Grid-tied Transformer-less Boost Switched Capacitor Topology (TLBSCT) for PV applications

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Power Electronics
• Renewable Energy Systems

Background:

• Grid-tied solar power conversion requires efficient and reliable inverters.
• Transformerless inverters reduce size and cost but face challenges like leakage current and voltage stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel transformer-less boost switched capacitor topology (TLBSCT) for enhanced grid-connected solar power conversion.
• To achieve a high voltage gain with reduced component count and improved performance.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new topology using three capacitors and twelve switches.
• Analysis of the configuration, working principle, parameter design, and control scheme.
• Comparative study against existing transformerless inverters (TLI).

Main Results:

• The proposed TLBSCT achieves a voltage gain of three times and generates seven output levels.
• Demonstrated features include boosting capacity, zero leakage current, minimum switching devices, and lower voltage stress.
• Self-balancing characteristics of the capacitors were observed.

Conclusions:

• The TLBSCT exhibits superior performance compared to current transformerless inverters.
• Simulations and experiments validate the theoretical concepts and design viability.
• Contributes to SDG 7 by enhancing efficient and reliable grid-connected solar power conversion.