Optimization of 9-Level Switched Capacitor Inverter for Grid-Connected PV System

Abstract

This work focuses on the performance improvement of a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system using a nine-level switched-capacitor multilevel inverter (SCMLI). The proposed design aims to reduce the cost and complexity associated with conventional multilevel inverter topologies by utilizing self-charging capacitors. Two Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms—Hill Climbing and Incremental Conductance—were implemented and compared in terms of tracking accuracy, response speed, and system stability. Simulation results of switched capacitor nine level inverter confirm that the proposed system enhances energy conversion efficiency, minimizes total harmonic distortion (THD)by 17.48%, and ensures stable grid-connected operation.