Renewable Energy based Multilevel Inverter to Enhance Resilience in Distribution Network through Domestic Load Reduction

Abstract

As the demand for electricity grows, the distribution network faces numerous challenges, making the need for reliable energy solutions increasingly important. This paper proposes a method to integrate renewable energy sources through a novel Multilevel Inverter (MLI) configuration. The multilevel inverter has attracted significant interest in the industry due to its ability to improve power quality by reducing harmonic distortion. A new inverter design with fewer switching components for photovoltaic (PV) systems is introduced. The inclusion of a boosting circuit in this inverter configuration allows the achievement of an output voltage having seven-level with enhanced gain. To achieve this, proposed design employs three balanced voltage sources and ten semiconductor switches. To optimize energy extraction from the available low value input, the Perturb and Observe (P&O) method is utilized for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). This method helps to regulate the voltage and improves the capability to deliver power under varying conditions to the load. The boosting circuit connects the solar input to the inverter having H-bridge, and the system is modulated using a modulation called sinusoidal PWM. The working principle, along with simulation and laboratory prototype, is thoroughly examined to confirm the performance and practicality of this system, demonstrating its potential to improve the resilience of the power distribution network by reducing domestic energy demand.