Harmonic Minimization in Seven-Level Cascaded Mult
Harmonic Minimization in Seven-Level Cascaded Mult
Harmonic Minimization in Seven-Level Cascaded Mult
Abstract
Inverters are power electronic devices that change over DC to sinusoidal AC quantity. Be that as it
may, in down to earth, these devices produce non-sinusoidal yield which contains harmonics, so as
to blend a close sinusoidal component and to lessen the harmonic distortion multilevel inverters
developed. Mathematical methods, which were developed, are derivative based and need initial
considerations. To overcome this, evolutionary algorithms, which are derivative free and accurate,
were developed for obtaining multi levels of output voltage. The proposed work uses two evolu-
tionary algorithms, namely, Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algo-
rithm. These algorithms are used to generate the switching angles by satisfying the non linear
transcendental equations that govern the low order harmonic components. A seven level cascaded
full bridge inverter is designed using MATLAB/Simulink and the results validate the results for
switching angles. The Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) value obtained for GA and PSO is 11.81%
and 10.84% respectively. The solution obtained from GA algorithm was implemented in hardware
using dsPIC controller to validate the simulation results. The THD value obtained for cascaded
seven-level multilevel inverter in the hardware prototype is 25.9%.
Keywords
Multilevel Inverter, Selective Harmonic Elimination, Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm
Optimization, Harmonic Minimization
1. Introduction
The inverters are relied upon to give sinusoidal yields yet the viable inverters produce non-sinusoidal yield and
How to cite this paper: Rajaiah, J., Ramar, V. and Parasunath, V. (2016) Harmonic Minimization in Seven-Level Cascaded
Multilevel Inverter Using Evolutionary Algorithm. Circuits and Systems, 7, 2309-2322.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/cs.2016.79201
J. Rajaiah et al.
subsequently contain harmonics. So to combine a close sinusoidal component and to lessen the harmonic distor-
tion multilevel inverters have emerged. It is this creating innovation that has affected the battery packs in elec-
tric vehicles in light of the likelihood of high power rating without the utilization of transformer. Among the
different multilevel structures that were introduced by researchers, the cascaded multilevel inverter turns out to
be much predominant in harmonic reduction. Further, the low order harmonic contents which are available can
be minimized by exchanging switching strategies.
Selective Harmonic Elimination Pulse Width Modulation (SHEPWM) technique was developed for multilevel
converters to eliminate lower order harmonics. The trigonometric terms in the equations create multiple solu-
tions thereby, making it complex to control the switching angle and hence reduce the lower order harmonics.
The arithmetic solutions which are the switching angles of inverter suppress the lower order harmonics. Re-
search was carried out to solve these equations by mathematical methods and evolutionary algorithms. Mathe-
matical methods are derivative based and needs initial assumptions. Different topologies like diode-clamped in-
verter, capacitor-clamped, and cascaded multilevel inverter with separate DC sources were developed [1]. An
optimal modulation technique [2] to reduce the switching losses was proposed, but this technique had more
conduction losses due to high output currents and due to the series connection of several semiconductors.
Despite the fact that different novel algorithms for Selective Harmonic Elimination were created [3] [4], yet
they slacked in the capacity to take out substantial number of low order harmonics. This lead to the advance-
ments in selective harmonic elimination pulse width modulated technique based on the foraging behavior of a
colony of ants [5]. This method has improved calculation, subordinate free operation, and achieves close optimal
convergence. A generalized formulation for selective harmonic elimination pulse width modulation control
suitable for high voltage, high power cascaded multilevel Voltage Source Converters (VSC) with both equiva-
lent and non square with DC sources utilized as a part of constant frequency utility applications was produced in
relationship with genetic algorithm [6]. The formulation has improved the execution of the framework. Further it
offers the benefits of the Hybrid Real Coded Genetic Algorithm (HRCGA) in finding the ideal answer for the
nonlinear mathematical statement framework with fast and guaranteed convergence. It is affirmed that numerous
autonomous arrangements of solutions exist.
Particle swarm optimization emerged as the next approach for selective harmonic elimination. Species based
Particle Swarm Optimization (SPSO) was introduced for harmonic minimization in multilevel inverters that in-
cludes nonlinear supernatural mathematical statements having various neighborhood minima however it
emerged as a complex optimization issue [7]. PSO methodology was produced for framework with unequal DC
sources [8] [9], however this brought on expansion in the quantity of switching angles. The PSO approach les-
sened the computational weight for low number of switching angles comprehending the asymmetry of the su-
pernatural comparisons. As most PSO algorithms utilize a solitary learning design for all particles, a Self-
Learning Particle Swarm Optimizer (SLPSO), for worldwide advancement issues was displayed [10], where
every particle has an arrangement of four procedures to adapt to various circumstances in the pursuit space. This
versatile choice instrument is acquainted with empower particles to pick consequently the fitting learning objec-
tive at the suitable minute amid the inquiry process.
Different topologies of multilevel inverter were developed to reduce switching losses and conduction losses,
the primary being the harmonic reduction in the output. The selective harmonic elimination which emerged out
as one of the best ways had the issues of lower order harmonics making way to optimization techniques like GA
& PSO. GA has more computational time but it obtains better results with fast and guaranteed convergence for
nonlinear frameworks. Similar to GA, PSO also provides optimal solutions with less computations and supports
system even with unequal DC sources.
Considering the advantages of the evolutionary algorithms, this work is proposed to minimize the fifth and
seventh order harmonics in the yield voltage of cascaded multilevel inverter by utilizing SHEPWM. In the pro-
posed work seven level multilevel inverter with MOSFET is developed with selective harmonic elimination
PWM to reduce the fifth and seventh order harmonics. The switching angles of the MOSFET are suitably con-
trolled to produce the seven levels of output. This system which depends on harmonics disposal hypothesis is
utilized to decide the switching angles where low order harmonics can be wiped out. The switching angles are
controlled and chosen optimally by the evolutionary techniques. The modulation index available by using PSO
technique is more than that of GA. The proposed system is implemented in hardware using dsPIC controller and
the result validate better performance. Further the results obtained by settling comparisons acquired from
SHEPWM utilizing evolutionary algorithms GA and PSO, gives optimum solution and decreased total harmonic
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distortion.
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voltage levels as +Vdc, 0, −Vdc by associating the DC source to the AC yield and by various mixes of four
switches where Vdc is the input voltage of the H-Bridge. This proposed topology is utilized for getting seven-
level cascaded H-Bridge multilevel inverter.
A seven-level multilevel inverter is acquired by cascading three H-bridge inverter circuits with every
H-bridge nourished from a different DC source. The quantity of yield levels m in every stage is identified
with number of H-bridge inverter unit’s “n” by Equation (1).
= 2n + 1
m (1)
where, m is the No. of level of inverter, n is the No. of full bridge connected in series.
To get the said seven-level yield, the above switching pattern is utilized. The yield voltage waveform of seven-
level inverter is as appeared in Figure 3 with α1, α2 and α3 speaking to the switching angles which are utilized
for harmonic reduction. By phase shifting the switching time of the positive and negative phase legs of the in-
verter, a quasi square waveform is generated by each full bridge as shown in Figure 3.
Here number of levels (m) is seven thus number of full bridge inverter circuits associated in series is three
which is known from the Equation (1). The single phase seven-level topology of cascaded H-bridge multilevel
inverter is as appeared in Figure 2. As each H-bridge is nourished with the same estimation of DC voltage it is
called as symmetrical cascaded multilevel inverter. The DC voltages can be acquired from batteries; capacitors
or power supplies. The phase yield voltage is the whole of three inverter yields. The seven-level yield waveform
is acquired by various switching combinations. The switching pattern for single phase seven-level topology of
cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter is appeared in Table 1.
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Table 1. Switching pattern for single phase 7-sevel Cascaded H bridge multilevel inverter.
For this situation Fourier series extension of yield voltage waveform is given by Equation (2) as takes after,
V (ωt ) = ∑ n=1 ( bn sin nωt )
∞
(3)
where an = a0 = 0 (due to quarter wave symmetry)
1 2π
π ∫0
bn = Vdc sin nωtdωt (4)
From Figure 3 for quasi square wave Equation (4) is given as follows
2 π−α
π ∫α
bn = Vdc sin nωtdωt (5)
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In the mathematical statement (8)-(10), to dispense with fifth and seventh harmonic V5 and V7 are set to zero
so that comparisons (11)-(13) are acquired. To decide the switching angles the accompanying mathematical
statements must be illuminated,
cos (α1 ) + cos (α 2 ) + cos (α 3 ) =
3M (11)
3. Evolutionary Algorithms
Numerical streamlining has less exactness and the challenges connected with them have prompted the approach
of evolutionary based algorithms for seeking close optimum solutions. These calculations emulate the similitude
of regular organic advancement and/or the social conduct of species. Some evolutionary algorithms that were
embraced for optimizing engineering problems include genetic algorithms, ant colony techniques, particle
swarm optimization, leaping frog techniques and so on. These algorithms depend on how ants locate the most
brief course to a wellspring of nourishment and how winged creatures discover their destination amid relocation.
The conduct of the species is guided by learning, adjustment, and advancement. By emulating the productive
conduct of these species, different computational frameworks were created to accomplish quick and vigorous
answers for complex optimization issues.
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The execution of GAs is influenced by the populace size, number of eras, crossover rate, and mutation rate.
Bigger populace size and expansive number of eras will improve the probability of acquiring a worldwide opti-
mum solution, yet it will likewise increase the processing time. In crossover, the parent’s information gets traded
to deliver an offspring. A sudden change to an offspring which is finished by the process of mutation is rare.
This should be possible self-assertively transforming a portion of the information in arbitrarily chose chromo-
some. The advantage of change is that it genetic acquaints new genetic material to the evolutionary process,
maybe in this manner staying away from stagnation around neighborhood minima. The progressions for figuring
an issue and applying a GA for settling nonlinear mathematical statements are as per the following:
Select binary or floating point strings.
The number of variables speaks to the quantity of genes in a chromosome. In the proposed work, the quanti-
ty of variables is the quantity of H-bridges in a cascaded multilevel inverter as they demonstrate the quantity
of controllable switching angles. A seven-level inverter requires three H-bridges and thus, every chromo-
some will have three switching angles
Set a populace measure and introduce the populace. The populace utilized here is 20 chromosomes, each
containing three switching angles. The populace is introduced with arbitrary angles between 0 degree and 90
degree thinking about the quarter wave symmetry of the yield voltage waveform.
The objective function for the GA is the fitness of every chromosome. The fundamental goal of this work is
to minimize specified harmonics; and henceforth the objective function is identified with these harmonics.
The harmonics taken here are fifth and seventh harmonics subsequently objective function is given as in
Equation (14).
2
1 3
= ∑ = ∑ k 1 cos ( nα k )
n 5,7
n
objective function = (14)
∑ k =1 cos (α k )
3
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estimation of the function. The switching angles for seven-level multilevel inverter are considered as the solu-
tion of PSO calculation. The orderly technique for executing PSO is as per the following:
The populace size (=20 particles) and the most extreme number of cycles which are the key parameters of
PSO are initialized.
Each particle in the populace is haphazardly instated somewhere around 0 and 1/2.
Initialize the velocity, individual best, worldwide best and emphasis tally.
The fitness value at every particle position is assessed which is given by Equation (15).
For every particle figure the velocities taking into account the individual best and worldwide best position
as given in Equation (16).
V ( K + 1) = c0 ∗ r1 ∗ ( pBest − X ( K ) ) + c2 ∗ r2 ∗ ( gBest − X ( K ) ) (16)
Update the particle position by the Equation (17).
X ( K +=
1) X ( K ) + V ( K + 1) (17)
The iterations are repeated until it satisfies the Equation (17). The main advantages of implementing PSO are
easy to implement, few parameters to adjust and efficient in global search.
5. Simulation Results
The seven-level cascaded multilevel inverter utilizing GA and PSO is actualized in simulation utilizing
MATLAB/Simulink. The m-file is utilized to compose the algorithm codes for comprehending the compari-
sons and to acquire the switching angles. The obtained switching angles are actualized in Simulink using
simpower frameworks tool compartment.
The GA algorithm has obtained the switching angles by fluctuating the modulation index from 0.4 - 0.8 ap-
peared in Figure 5. For the other M, it has no solution. It has single solution for number of cycles. In Figure 6
the switching angles got from PSO shifts from M is 0.1 - 0.2. It has gotten answers for extensive variety of
modulation indexes. The model of single stage seven-level cascaded multilevel inverter is examined beneath
with the switching states of different switches. The switching pulses are given taking into account the yield of
GA and PSO. The single stage non linear RL load is considered for examining the harmonic substance. As the
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input voltages for all the three full bridge inverters are same, it is called as symmetrical cascaded multilevel in-
verter. The load voltage sign is associated with workspace apparatus for performing the harmonic examination
for load voltage waveform. Every full bridge inverter is encouraged with 24V DC input for both PSO and GA
algorithm.
The yield current waveform with seven levels is gotten from the multilevel inverter which is as appeared in
Figure 7. The yield voltage is 72 V which is thrice the input voltage which is appeared in Figure 8. The seven
levels of the yield are gotten as the staircase waveform by the diverse switching combinations. The yield current
got is 0.72 A. The yield is taken crosswise over RL load thus it is as sinusoidal wave. It finishes one cycle at
0.024 seconds as it is lagging load. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) investigation is done to gauge the THD
esteem. The FFT examination on the yield voltage waveform with RL load is appeared in Figure 9.
From this it can be induced that the fifth and seventh harmonic is lessened beneath 1% and the THD acquired is
11.51%. This demonstrates the viability of the proposed algorithm. The FFT examination is likewise done to
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Figure 7. Simulation result for yield current waveform of seven level cascaded MLI.
Figure 8. Simulation result for yield voltage waveform of seven level cascaded MLI.
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gauge the THD estimation of the yield voltage by PSO to discover the extent of individual harmonic orders. The
FFT investigation for the yield voltage waveform with RL load is appeared in Figure 10. In this fifth harmonic
substance is under 1% however the seventh harmonic more prominent than 3% in this manner violating IEEE
standards for harmonic distortion. The THD value got is 10.84% using PSO. The principle goal of this work is to
wipe out the low order harmonics like fifth and seventh order harmonics. The THD acquired from PSO is low
contrasted with GA however the seventh order harmonics in PSO damages the IEEE standard of individual
harmonic distortion which must be under 3%. Thus the switching angles acquired from GA are actualized in
hardware to validate the simulation results.
6. Hardware Results
The seven-level cascaded multilevel inverter is actualized in hardware with MOSFET switches and dsPIC-
30F4011 controller. The different results got for cascaded multilevel inverter like the input voltage, switching
pulses and the yield voltage waveforms from the digital storage oscilloscope are introduced in this segment. The
harmonic investigation for yield voltage waveform got from power quality analyzer is additionally introduced.
In order to obtain the shaped 7-level output without distortion, MOSFET block parameters in MATLAB should
vary according to the load used. Here for 10 ohm resistive load, MOSFET block parameters are set as follows:
FET resistance = 0.01 ohms, internal diode resistance = 10 kiloohms.
The multilevel inverter converts DC input into AC output. The seven-level AC yield waveform is accom-
plished utilizing cascaded H-Bridge topology. The yield voltage waveform for seven-level cascaded multilevel
inverter is appeared in Figure 11. The yield voltage got from cascaded multilevel inverter is 71 V in hardware
setup which is low contrasted with simulation results because of nearness of switching losses in the hardware.
The yield voltage is regulated using voltage feedback which is bolstered to the controller. The yield voltage got
from cascaded multilevel inverter is 71 V which can’t be encouraged to AC motor. So the yield voltage is ex-
panded up to 230 V utilizing step up transformer.
The harmonic substance in the yield waveforms are for the most part dissected by power quality analyzer.
Here the harmonic spectrum of yield voltage waveform for seven-level cascaded multilevel inverter without fil-
ter got utilizing power quality analyzer is appeared in Figure 12. The THD value got in the hardware model
from cascaded multilevel inverter without filter is 25.9% and the low order harmonics are decreased beneath 3%.
The THD value acquired for the cascaded multilevel inverter with filter is 1.9% and the low order harmonics are
totally disposed of which is appeared in Figure 13.
THD got for seven-level cascaded multilevel inverter is 11.51% in simulation yet in hardware it is 25.9%
without filter and 1.9% with filter. The THD is high without filter as there are more commotions in the yield
voltage waveform. The examination of simulation and hardware results is appeared in Table 2. A SHEPWM
Figure 10. FFT Analysis of output voltage for PSO with RL load.
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control system is embraced in the switching circuit with GA and PSO to give an adequate control in the inverter
yield voltage. The THD got by GA and PSO are 11.51% and 10.84%. The outcomes acquired from GA and PSO
are looked at. The fifth and seventh order harmonic got from GA is under 3% which fulfill the IEEE norms yet
the low request sounds acquired from PSO is more prominent than 3% that disregarding IEEE standard.
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From the examination results with this inverter procedure, the low order harmonics are significantly lessened
by the switching angles acquired from GA so it is executed in hardware. To confirm GA solutions, test results
are displayed which approve the exactness of the proposed strategy. The harmonic spectrum of the exploratory
yield voltage is gotten from the power quality analyzer. The THD got in hardware model for seven-level cas-
caded multilevel inverter is 25.9% without filter and 1.9% with filter. At the point when contrasted with simula-
tion comes about, the THD is high because of nearness of clamors in the yield voltage waveform.
7. Conclusion
A summed up recipe of SHEPWM suitable for high power high voltage cascaded multilevel converters with
equivalent DC voltage sources was proposed and exhibited in this paper. A complete simulation model of a cas-
caded multilevel inverter has been proposed utilizing MATLAB/Simulink programming. A SHEPWM control
method is embraced in the switching circuit with GA and PSO to give a worthy control in the inverter yield vol-
tage. The THD got by GA and PSO is 11.51% and 10.84% respectively. The outcomes got from GA and PSO
are analyzed. The fifth and seventh order harmonics got from GA is under 3% which fulfill the IEEE guidelines
yet the low order harmonics acquired from PSO is more prominent than 3% that abusing IEEE standard. From
the examination results with this inverter procedure, the low order harmonics are considerably decreased by the
switching angles got from GA so it is executed in hardware. To confirm GA solution, trial results are exhibited
which approve the precision of the proposed technique. The harmonic spectrum of the trial yield voltage is ac-
quired from the power quality analyzer. The THD acquired in hardware model for seven-level cascaded multi-
level inverter is 25.9% without filter and 1.9% with filter. At the point when contrasted with simulation results,
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the THD is high because of nearness of commotions in the yield voltage waveform.
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