Comparative Study of Optimization Algorithms for SHEPWM Five-Phase Multilevel Inverter

Abstract

Conversion of DC to AC is widely used as an essential need for the power system to harness renewable power source in this era. Multilevel inverter is a mechanism which capable of harnessing these renewable energies. Unfortunately, harmonics occur in the system due to distortions and causing much unwanted problems at the power output. Therefore, the elimination of harmonics and reduce Total Harmonics Distortion (THD) are needed to maintain good power output. Application of Selective Harmonics Elimination Pulse Width Modulation (SHEPWM) can be used in the multilevel inverter to solve the problem. In this paper, optimization algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) and Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA) were applied for finding suitable switching angle for SHEPWM. The calculated switching angle was applied into seven-level five-phase multilevel inverter for various modulation indexes. In addition, the simulation of the multilevel inverter also done using PSIM software. The results show that the selective lower order harmonics, 3rd and 7th are completely eliminated for all three algorithms. In addition, the time taken for newly discovered algorithms to find switching angles for seven-level five-phase inverter is faster compared to PSO.