Harmonics minimization in multilevel inverter by continuous mode aco technique

Abstract

Low switching frequency operation of multilevel inverter enables it for applications in high power processing needs. The stepped waveform synthesized from multilevel inverter after Fourier series analysis will result in system of nonlinear equations to selectively minimize certain lower-order harmonics from it. These equations are transcendental and exhibits solutions or no solution in certain range of modulation index. In order to obtain continuous solution in entire modulation index range optimization techniques based on meta-heuristic approach is used. In order to achieve better quality waveform at output and selectively removing certain low-order harmonics an ant colony optimization-based technique in continuous mode implementation is proposed in this paper. The simulation and experimental results are provided to confirm the correctness and effectiveness of the method.