Optimal HSE-PWM based on genetic algorithm for seven levels diode clamped multilevel inverter

Abstract

In this paper, the control of seven level diode clamped inverter with selective harmonic elimination (SHE) pulse width modulation (PWM) technique based on genetic algorithm (GA) has been developed. In standard SHE-PWM, the seven level inverters allow the elimination of only two low order harmonics. To improve the total harmonic distortion (THD), and without any modification to the inverter structure, five low order harmonics can be eliminated by suitably adding holes in the stairecase voltage leg. Furtheremore, a hole distribution in agreement with the sin function shape is proposed. For this, a real-coded genetic algorithm is applied under the standard constraints with a proposed cost function minimization that allow a better near sin function reshape of the output voltage leg. This GA computation allow to determine the switching angles for a seven-level diode clamped inverter to produce the required fundamental voltage and to eliminate undesirable harmonics. This developed procedure can eliminate a desired number of low harmonics and is only restricted by the maximal switching frequency of the power switches. The results of the suggested method are compared to the conventional SHE-PWM involved with a seven level staircase wave. They reveal that the developed method is a very effective one for optimal harmonic elimination technique.