A DC to AC inverter can be classified in different topologies; some of these topologies are three level and multilevel inverter. Both types have some advantages and disadvantages. Three level inverters can be applied for low power applications because it is cheaper and has less semiconductor losses at high switching frequencies with poor total harmonic distortion (THD). Multilevel inverters (MLI) can be applied for higher power applications with less THD. However, the MLI has more cost and conductive power losses in comparison with three level inverters. In order to overcome the limitations of three and multilevel topologies, this thesis presents a new controlling topology of multilevel DC/AC inverters. The proposed multilevel inverter topology is based on a current source inverter, which consists of a buck/boost, boost and flyback converters, and an H-bridge inverter. The output voltage of the inverter is shaped through the control of just one main semiconductor switch. This new topology offers almost step-less output voltage without the need for multi DC source or several capacitor banks as in the case of other multilevel inverter topologies. The efficiency of the proposed topology is higher than other inverter topologies for medium power applications (2-10 kW). The proposed topology also generates smaller Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) compared to other inverter topologies. The two main key aspects of the proposed circuit is to keep the switching losses as low as possible and this is achieved through the control of a single switch at relatively low frequency and also to generate an improved AC Voltage waveform without the need for any filtering devices. The output frequency and voltage of the proposed circuit can be easily controlled according to the load requirements. The proposed inverter topology is ideal for the connection of renewable energy; this is due to its flexibility in varying its output voltage without the need of fixed turns-ratio transformers used in existing DC/AC inverter topologies. The harmonic contents of the output of this proposed topology can be controlled without the need of any filter. The simulation and practical implementation of the proposed circuits are presented. The practical and simulation results show excellent correlation.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Electrical energy generation with photovoltaic cells is being more utilized. Not only on large scale systems, but also in small ones connected to the grid. Parallel operating with the great generators from power companies, in a non-centralized way of operation, supplying low power, installed in houses, commerce establishments, industry, with the goal to minimize the loss in transmission, for being installed at the same consumption place. This work presents a FPGA device controller of a four transistor flyback inverter for maximum power point in photovoltaic systems. Despite this system has low power it contributes to search simple and low cost alternatives for generating of electrical power in a decentralized manner, which does not use battery banks connected parallel to network of energy near to consumers. / Geração de energia elétrica a partir de painéis fotovoltaicos vem sendo cada vez mais utilizada, não somente em sistemas fotovoltaicos de grande porte, como também em pequenos sistemas conectados a rede CA. Interligada paralelamente aos grandes geradores da concessionária de energia de forma descentralizada em sistemas de pequeno porte e baixas potências, instalados em residências, estabelecimentos comerciais, indústria, com o objetivo de minimizar perdas por transmissão por estarem instalados nos próprios locais. Este trabalho apresenta um controle num dispositivo FPGA de um inversor flyback a quatro transistores para máxima potência em sistemas fotovoltaicos. Apesar da baixa potência este contribui para a busca de alternativas simples e de baixo custo para geração de energia elétrica de forma descentralizada, não utilizando bancos de bateria conectados paralelamente a rede de energia próxima aos consumidores. / Mestre em Ciências

The project describes the design of controlled inverters or power generator simulating one phase of European or American distribution network. The generator is able to enter into an output signal of a certain fault conditions designed to testing the electromagnetic compatibility of connected devices. The text is divided into three main chapters. The first one deals with the design of the power generating low-frequency signal. The second part describes the power source used for this generator. In the third section describes the program management unit. End of text summarizes the results. The annex contains a schematic designs and printed circuit boards.