Switched Capacitor Multilevel Inverter (SCMLI): Next-generation DC–AC Power Converter

This work introduces several novel switched capacitor multilevel inverter (SCMLI) topologies featuring reduced device count and enhanced voltage boosting capability. SCMLIs have gained significant attention for their ability to generate high-quality output voltage waveforms using fewer power supplies. By employing capacitors as auxiliary direct current (DC) sources, these inverters can produce multiple voltage levels while inherently providing voltage boosting. Compared to conventional and reduced device count (RDC) MLIs, SCMLIs offer a more compact design, simpler control, and easier capacitor voltage balancing. Integrating voltage boosting within the inverter stage enhances system efficiency, and the use of switched capacitors has emerged as a practical means to achieve this.

The multisource SCMLIs are highly suitable for renewable energy conversion systems and microgrid applications, where efficient power utilisation and compact design are essential. On the other hand, single-input multi-output (SIMO) SCMLIs are considered advanced variants of SCMLIs, offering the ability to supply multiple voltage levels from a single DC source for various emerging applications. Overall, SCMLIs provide an effective, efficient, and scalable solution for next-generation power conversion systems.

Publications

1.   T. Roy, S. Nandi, R. Patel, B. Misra and B. Nayak, “Investigation of an Extendable Multisource Switched-Capacitor Multilevel Inverter With Reduced Device Count,” in IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 3013-3027, June 2025, doi: 10.1109/JESTPE.2024.3524021.

2.   R. Athapaththu, A. K. Soni, T. Roy, S. Behera and R. Patel, “Study of a Single Source Based High Gain 25 Level Switched Capacitor Multilevel Inverter,” 2025 3rd IEEE International Conference on Industrial Electronics: Developments & Applications (ICIDeA), Bhubaneswar, India, 2025, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/ICIDeA64800.2025.10962916

Patents

1.     T. Roy “System and Method of Reconfigurable Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) Switched Capacitor Multi-Level Inverter (SCMLI)” Indian Patent published in 2025. Application No. 202541064882