A novel reduced-switch multi-level inverter based multi-device universal power-quality conditioner for PQ enhancement

The reduced-switch multilevel inverter (RSMLI) has garnered significant attention across various industries as a viable alternative to conventional multilevel inverter (MLI) topologies. In the realm of medium voltage highpower applications, the topologies of resonant switched MLIs are regarded as advanced due to their development with a reduced number of switching elements. The primary emphasis of the customizable multi-device universal power-quality conditioner (MD-UPQC) device is on the design and development of a significant RSMLI topology to improve power-quality (PQ) features. This study presents the development of a novel 5-level RSMLI-based MD-UPQC device, designed specifically for addressing power-quality concerns in multi-feeder distribution networks. The device facilitates uninterrupted power flow between the feeders, thereby mitigating power-quality issues. The 5-level RSMLI topology possesses the capability to decrease the necessity for a larger quantity of gate-drive circuits by implementing a switching-logic design utilizing the reduced-carrier-based pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. The 5-level RSMLI-MDUPQC device incorporates a unified voltage-current reference (UVCR) control scheme to ensure efficient operation. The functionality and efficacy of the proposed RSMLI-MDUPQC device have been assessed using the MATLAB/Simulink software tool, with the evaluation conducted under different PQ conditions. The simulation outcomes are presented for analysis and interpretation.