A Design of Diode-Clamped 11-Level Inverter and Its Harmonic Effect on Transformer Losses

Renewable energy is an alternative source of energy, such as solar power plants. Solar energy is utilized by using solar cells that produce electrical energy in the form of Direct Current (DC). So, to make electrical energy can be used for Alternating Current (AC), an inverter is needed to convert the DC voltage into AC voltage. The results of conversion on conventional inverters usually cause harmonic values that can cause interference and damage to electrical devices. To reduce harmonics, an 11-level single-phase inverter is designed that is arranged with a diode-clamped inverter topology. The design of the inverter is expected to be able to produce relatively constant output voltage and current with a small harmonic value, making it safe to use for a variety of electronic equipment. This inverter is supplied by PV and wind turbine devices. While the inverter output will be connected with a 220/127 Volt 1 kVA transformer. The use of the transformer serves to determine the value of losses from the transformer caused by the level of harmonics of the inverter. The value of losses from this transformer shows the level of reliability of the 11-level inverter.