Z-source inverter with improved performance for photovoltaic applications

A Z-source inverter with a modified carrier based pulse width modulation technique is proposed for photovoltaic systems. In this new technique, two carrier waves and three reference waves are used to produce the switching pulses. This paper demonstrates that the Z-source inverter can boost DC voltage when needed, perform maximum tracking and minimum output distortion, and interface with photovoltaic system. The control method is analyzed to exhibit the novelty of features. The control algorithm is corroborated by simulation and experimental results. A comparison in harmonic distortion between the new and traditional pulse width modulation techniques is performed.