Simulation and Analysis of a Nine-Level Inverter with Fourfold Voltage Boost and Low Total Harmonic Distortion

The increasing global emphasis on renewable energy integration has heightened the demand for efficient power conversion systems, particularly multilevel inverters capable of generating high-quality AC output from DC sources. Conventional inverter topologies often face limitations, including a high component count, increased Total Standing Voltage (TSV), and elevated Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). This paper presents a novel nine-level switched-capacitor multilevel inverter (SCMLI) topology that delivers fourfold voltage boosting capability using only nine switches, three diodes, and two capacitors from a single DC source. The proposed configuration effectively minimizes the number of components while achieving a smooth stepped output waveform with significantly reduced harmonic distortion. The design and performance analysis were carried out in MATLAB/Simulink, employing a low-frequency optimum nearest-level modulation technique. Simulation results validate the inverter’s superior performance, achieving a maximum output voltage of 400 V from a 100 V input and an impressive Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 8.09%. These outcomes demonstrate that the proposed topology offers a compact, cost-effective, and efficient solution for renewable and power-electronic applications.