Multilevel Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) converters are widely used in medium- and high-power applications due to their modular structure, improved output waveform quality, and reduced harmonic distortion. However, maintaining voltage balance across multiple DC-link capacitors and ensuring stable operation under varying load conditions remain significant challenges. This project proposes an Incremental Passivity-Based Control (IPBC) strategy for a multilevel CHB converter to enhance system stability, robustness, and dynamic performance. The proposed control approach is based on passivity theory, where the system is modeled as an energy-based framework, and stability is ensured by regulating the incremental energy of the system. The controller effectively manages multiple input sources and balances capacitor voltages while generating a high-quality multilevel output voltage. An Arduino-based microcontroller is employed to implement the control logic, which drives the H-bridge circuits through appropriate switching signals. The system integrates a battery-backed DC supply, charging circuit, and step-up transformer to produce an AC output suitable for driving loads such as an AC bulb. The passivity-based multi-input control ensures improved transient response, reduced switching losses, and enhanced reliability compared to conventional control methods. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves stable operation, efficient voltage regulation, and reduced harmonic distortion, making it suitable for renewable energy systems, smart grids, and power quality improvement applications.        

The main objective of this project is:

  To design and develop a Multilevel Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) converter for generating high-quality AC output from DC sources.

  To implement Incremental Passivity-Based Control (IPBC) for improving system stability and ensuring robust performance under varying load conditions.

  To achieve balanced capacitor voltage control across all H-bridge cells in the multilevel converter.

  To generate a low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) output waveform without using bulky filters.

  To integrate a battery charging and power supply system for continuous and reliable operation.

  To develop a multi-input control strategy for efficient energy management from different DC sources.

  To design and implement switching control signals using a microcontroller (Arduino) for proper operation of H-bridge circuits.          

The major building blocks of this project are:  

• Regulated power supply.
• Step down transformer.
• Charging circuit.
• Battery.
• Arduino UNO microcontroller.
• H-Bridge circuits.
• Passivity-Based Multi-Input control.

        Software’s used:

1. Embedded C programming.
2. Arduino IDE for dumping code into Microcontroller.
3. Express SCH for Circuit design.

         

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