Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering

GUIDE:
Ms. B. LAKSHANYA SRI ,M.E ., PRESENTED BY:
[Link] K. BARANITHARAN (82720105005)
DEPT. EEE R.K. ARJUN ( 821720105305)
N. GOKULNATHAN (821720105307)
C. LOKESH (821720105313)
WELCOME
TRANSFORMER-LESS MULTI LEVEL
GRID CONNECTED PV INVERTER
 ABSTRACT
• This project introduces a pioneering design of a transformer-less grid-connected solar photovoltaic
(PV) inverter, which addresses several critical issues prevalent in grid-tied PV systems.

• The proposed inverter architecture incorporates six power switches and two power diodes, enabling
the generation of six distinct voltage levels at the output. Notably, the inverter effectively mitigates
the challenge of leakage current, a significant concern in grid-tied PV applications.

• Furthermore, the design offers numerous advantages, including reduced filter size, diminished total
harmonic distortion (THD) of the injected current into the grid, and inherent voltage boosting
capabilities.

• Additionally, the innovative topology facilitates comprehensive reactive power support to the grid.

• A bespoke control strategy is devised and implemented to achieve voltage boosting without
necessitating an additional DC-DC boost converter .
 OBJECTIVE
1. Develop a six-level topology for the solar photovoltaic inverter that eliminates the need for a transformer, reducing both

cost and size of the system.

2. Design the inverter to achieve higher efficiency compared to traditional inverters, ensuring maximum power extraction

from the solar panels.

3. Implement advanced control algorithms to minimize leakage current, enhancing the safety and reliability of the system.

4. Investigate novel circuit topologies and components to reduce losses and improve overall system performance.

5. Integrate grid synchronization features to ensure seamless connection to the utility grid, while complying with relevant

grid codes and standards.

6. Optimize the design for manufacturability and scalability to facilitate widespread adoption in residential, commercial,

and utility-scale solar installations.

7. Evaluate the environmental impact of the inverter design and aim to minimize its carbon footprint throughout its

lifecycle, including manufacturing, operation, and disposal.

 INTRODUCTION
In recent years, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a promising solution for clean and
renewable energy generation. However, the integration of PV systems with the grid poses several
challenges, including efficiency concerns, harmonic distortion issues, and voltage stability
problems. Addressing these challenges requires innovative designs for grid-connected PV inverters.
This paper presents a ground breaking design of a transformer-less grid-connected solar PV
inverter, aimed at overcoming the critical issues prevalent in grid-tied PV systems. The proposed
inverter architecture represents a significant advancement in the field, incorporating six power
switches and two power diodes to generate six distinct voltage levels at the output. This innovative
approach not only enhances the inverter's performance but also effectively mitigates the challenge of
leakage current, a significant concern in grid-tied PV applications.
 The design offers several advantages over traditional transformer-based inverters. One notable
advantage is the reduction in filter size, which contributes to overall cost savings and compactness of the
system. Additionally, the inverter design results in diminished total harmonic distortion (THD) of the
injected current into the grid, ensuring compliance with grid regulations and standards.
Moreover, the proposed topology boasts inherent voltage boosting capabilities, eliminating the need for
an additional DC-DC boost converter. This feature enhances the overall efficiency of the system while
simplifying the control architecture.
In conclusion, the introduction of this transformer-less grid-connected solar PV inverter represents a
significant milestone in the advancement of grid-tied PV systems. The design not only addresses critical
issues but also offers numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, reduced harmonic distortion, and
enhanced grid support capabilities. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed
inverter architecture, control strategy, and performance evaluation, contributing to the continued
evolution of renewable energy technologies
 LITERATURE SURVEY
1. Evaluation of Common-Mode Leakage Current of Aalborg-Type Transformer less PV Inverters (2022)
Authors: Georgios I. Orfanoudakis, Eftychios Koutroulis, Georgios Fotinopoulos, Weimin Wu
Description: The paper evaluates the common-mode leakage current of Aalborg-type transformer less PV inverters,
contributing to the understanding of leakage current behaviour in such systems.

2. Harmonic Distortion Reduction of Transformer less Inverter’s Output Voltage Using 5-Level Single-Phase
Inverter and LCL Filter (2020)
Authors: Ekhtiak Ebna Ahsan, Md Asaduzzaman Shobug, Md. Mehedi Hasan Tanim, Md. Hanif Reza
Description: This paper proposes a novel approach to reduce harmonic distortion in transformer less inverters using
a 5-level single-phase inverter and an LCL filter, presenting potential improvements in power quality.
3. Transformer less Grid-Connected PV Inverter Without Common Mode Leakage Current and Shoot-
Through Problems (2020)
Authors: Zhilei Yao, Yubo Zhang, Xuefeng Hu
Description: This paper presents a transformer less grid-connected PV inverter design addressing common-mode
leakage current and shoot-through problems, offering potential solutions to improve inverter performance.
4. A Novel Modulation Method to Reduce Leakage Current in Transformer less Z-Source PV Inverters (2020)
Authors: Armin Abadifard, Pedram Ghavidel, Nima Taherkhani, Mehran Sabahi
Description: The paper proposes a novel modulation method to reduce leakage current in transformer less Z-source
PV inverters, potentially enhancing the safety and efficiency of such systems.

5. Comparative Study between Single-Phase Transformer less PV Inverters in Terms of Conducted EMI
(2016)
Authors: Sana Kraiem, Mahmoud Hamouda, Jaleleddine Ben Hadj Slama
Description: This study compares different single-phase transformer less PV inverters concerning conducted
electromagnetic interference (EMI), providing insights into their electromagnetic compatibility.
CIRCUIT TOPOLOGY OF THE PROPOSED INVERTER
 CIRCUIT EXPLANATION

The proposed inverter’s circuit schematic, consisting of two power diodes, four capacitors, and six power
switches. Vdc is the input voltage, and the switches S1,S2, S3, S4,S5and S6 are power switches . The
proposed inverter consists of two switch-legs. The first switch-leg includes switches S1, S2, and the second
switch-leg consists of S3 and S4. The capacitors C1 and C2 are connected to the input source, which are
charged to 0.5 Vdc spontaneously. Also, C3 and C4 are associated with the second switch-leg and are charged
to Vdc. The bidirectional switch S5 is located between the midpoint of C1, C2, and the first leg. The operation
of each switching state, diode, and charging/discharging modes of the capacitors .
PROPOSED SYSTEM TRANSFORMER LESS
 PROPOSED SYSTEM
The diagram depicts the circuit schematic of a proposed transformer-less grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV)
inverter. It consists of essential components such as power diodes, capacitors, and power switches. The inverter
is designed to convert the DC output from the solar PV array into AC electricity suitable for grid connection.

Key components include:

 Power Diodes (Diode 1 and Diode 2): These diodes facilitate the unidirectional flow of current, allowing for
the conversion of DC to AC.
 Capacitors (C1, C2, C3, and C4): These capacitors store and release electrical energy, aiding in smoothing
the output voltage and reducing fluctuations.
 Power Switches (S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5): These switches control the flow of current through the circuit,
enabling precise regulation of the AC output.
 The "Solar PV Array" and "Grid" are external entities connected to the inverter. The arrows indicate the
direction of energy flow, with electricity flowing from the solar PV array to the inverter and then to the grid.
 ADVANTAGES

1. Leakage Current Mitigation: The inverter effectively overcomes the prevalent issue of leakage current,
thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of grid-tied PV systems.
2. Reduced Filter Size: By minimizing the size of the required filters, the proposed inverter contributes to
a more compact and space-efficient system design.
3. Diminished THD: The inverter achieves lower total harmonic distortion of the injected current into the
grid, ensuring compliance with stringent grid regulations and standards.
4. Voltage Boosting Ability: The inherent voltage boosting capabilities of the inverter offer flexibility and
versatility in adapting to varying grid conditions and load demands.
5. Comprehensive Reactive Power Support: The proposed topology enables comprehensive reactive
power support to the grid, enhancing grid stability and performance.
 EXISTING SYSTEM
● This paper explores the conventional approach to grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters,
which utilize transformers to match voltage levels between the PV array and the grid.

● These traditional inverters aim to ensure safety and compatibility by isolating the PV system from the
grid. However, the reliance on transformers introduces drawbacks such as increased size, cost, and
potential losses within the system.

● Moreover, conventional inverters may struggle to effectively mitigate leakage current issues compared
to newer transformer-less designs.

● This paper provides an analysis of the conventional grid-connected PV inverter architecture and
discusses its advantages and limitations in comparison to modern transformer-less alternatives.
EXISTING BLOCK DIAGRAM
 DISADVANTAGES

1. Bulk and Cost of Transformers: Traditional grid-connected PV inverters with

transformers tend to be bulkier and more expensive due to the additional components
required for voltage matching and isolation.
2. Losses in the System: Transformers can introduce losses into the system, leading to
reduced efficiency and performance of the PV system.
3. Leakage Current Issues: Conventional inverters may not effectively address leakage
current concerns, potentially compromising the safety and reliability of the PV system.
 CONCLUSION
The proposed inverter’s advantages can be mentioned as reduced leakage current, voltage
boosting ability, reactive power supporting feature, and high efficiency. Without an extra dc-dc stage,
the proposed inverter has a boosting ability of 1.5 times the input voltage and reduces the system’s
overall weight, loss, and cost. Moreover, this topology generates six levels of voltages, including ±0.5
Vdc, ±1 Vdc, and ±1.5 Vdc, which reduces the size of the filter and total harmonic distortion. To
control both active and reactive powers, the PCC strategy is applied. Besides, using the PCC method,
the injected grid current has a suitable quality under any PF conditions Also, in order to highlight the
benefits of the proposed inverter, it has been compared with some other grid-connected inverters.
Finally, to validate the characteristics mentioned above and the proposed inverter’s performance,
experiments are carried out using a 770 W laboratory prototype.
 APPLICATIONS
1. Residential Solar Installations: The new six-level transformer-less inverter can be integrated into residential solar power systems. Its
advanced design allows for efficient DC to AC conversion, maximizing the utilization of solar energy for household consumption.
2. Grid Connection: With its grid-connected capability, the inverter ensures seamless integration with the existing power grid. It enables
homeowners to not only power their homes with solar energy but also feed excess electricity back into the grid, potentially earning
them credits or reducing their electricity bills.
3. Enhanced Safety: The reduced leakage current of the inverter enhances safety, mitigating the risk of electrical hazards within the
residential environment. This is particularly crucial in households with children or pets, where safety is a top priority.
4. Improved Efficiency: By minimizing leakage current, the inverter improves overall system efficiency. This results in higher energy
yields from the solar panels, maximizing the return on investment for homeowners and reducing their reliance on traditional grid-
supplied electricity.
5. Scalability: The modular design of the six-level inverter allows for scalability, accommodating the varying energy needs of different
households. Whether it's a small rooftop installation or a larger ground-mounted array, the inverter can be tailored to suit the specific
requirements of each residential solar project.
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WITHOUT OPERATION
WITH OPERATION
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THANK YOU