A review on symmetric, asymmetric, hybrid and single DC sources based multilevel inverter topologies

Abstract

In recent past, multilevel inverters(MLIs) are treated as sophisticated power conversion systems demanded for high power medium voltage applications. The aim of this article is to review on recent examined multilevel inverter topologies which can be classified into four groups according to the DC voltage supplied to each fundamental unit and/or arrangement of non-identical fundamental units in an one configuration: Symmetric, Asymmetric, Hybrid and Single DC source topologies. In each group, several new versions have been constructed for last few decades. In this study the position (design and functionality) of each and every topology and also every group are reviewed. Further, a special attention is focused on Single DC source MLIs. Finally at the end of the review, merits, limitations and adequate applications are clearly mentioned. Thus, present review provides complete overview among newly developed multilevel inverters. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd