Novel multilevel inverter topology with low switch count

Abstract This paper aims to introduce a new multilevel inverter topology less number of switches and gate drivers with a hybrid control method. In the proposed topology three kinds of voltage sources are utilized in the topology. A combination of these voltage sources, switches, and two H-bridges derived a new topology. Moreover, combining the nearest level and pulse width modulation created an efficient way to control the proposed topology which is described in this paper. Equations to determine the number of components and total standing voltage of the proposed multilevel is presented. A comprehensive comparison between the proposed topology and other best topologies is made. Additionally, the simulation results which are obtained by PSCAD/EMTDC and experimental results are in accordance with the theory. The proposed multilevel inverter with a hybrid control method has less number of switches, gate drivers, and low THD.