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A Novel Asymmetric Fifteen-Level Inverter for Medium Voltage Applications
Lakshmi Prasanna1, Ch Nayak Bhukya2, D Anil Kumar3
1Proudhadevaraya Institute of Technology.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|July 27, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel multilevel inverter (MLI) topology with reduced switches for medium-voltage applications. It utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) for selective harmonic elimination (SHE), achieving high efficiency and low total harmonic distortion (THD).
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Power Electronics
- Renewable Energy Systems
Background:
- Medium-voltage applications require efficient power conversion with minimal harmonic distortion.
- Existing multilevel inverter (MLI) topologies often face challenges with switch count, total standing voltage (TSV), and harmonic performance.
- The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential for advanced control strategies in power electronics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a reduced-switch asymmetric fifteen-level multilevel inverter (MLI) topology for medium-voltage applications.
- To implement a hybrid artificial intelligence (AI) and Newton-Raphson (NR) based selective harmonic elimination (SHE) control strategy.
- To evaluate the performance, efficiency, and harmonic content of the proposed MLI topology.
Main Methods:
- A novel asymmetric fifteen-level MLI topology using ten unidirectional switches and three unequal DC sources was designed.
- A hybrid control strategy combining an artificial neural network (ANN) and the Newton-Raphson (NR) method was developed for SHE.
- Performance was assessed through MATLAB/Simulink simulations and validated using a low-voltage experimental prototype.
Main Results:
- The proposed MLI topology achieved a low switch count and competitive TSV.
- The hybrid SHE control strategy effectively minimized lower-order harmonic content, resulting in a total harmonic distortion (THD) of 5.47% under nominal conditions.
- High conversion efficiency was observed, ranging from 98.6% to 97.1% across the assessed load range.
Conclusions:
- The developed reduced-switch MLI topology and AI-aided SHE control are feasible for medium-voltage applications.
- The topology demonstrates superior performance in terms of switch count and harmonic reduction compared to existing literature.
- Further validation under higher voltage conditions and standardized frameworks is recommended for broader applicability.
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