Swarm Optimization-Based Modified Selective Harmonic Elimination PWM Technique Application in Symmetrical H-Bridge Type Multilevel Inverters

The problem of elimination of harmonics and the need of a large number of switches in multilevel inverters (MLIs) have been a hot topic of research over the last decades. In this paper, a new variant swarm optimization (SO) based selective harmonic elimination (SHE) technique is described to minimize harmonics in MLIs, which is a complex optimization problem involving non-linear transcendental equation. Optimum switching angles are calculated by the proposed algorithms considering minimum total harmonic distortion (THD) and the best results are taken for controlling the operation of MLIs. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with the genetic algorithm (GA). Conventional MLIs have some disadvantages such as the requirement of a large number of circuit components, complex control, and voltage balancing problems. A novel seven-level reduced switch multilevel inverter (RS MLI) is proposed in this paper to recoup the need of a large number of switches. Matlab/Simulink software is used for the simulation of two symmetrical topologies, i.e., a seven-level cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter (CHB MLI) and a seven-level (RS MLI). Simulation results are validated by developing a prototype of both MLIs. The enhancement of the output voltage waveform confirms the effectiveness of the proposed SO SHE approach

A single-source switched-capacitor based step-up multilevel inverter with reduced components

Switched-capacitor based multilevel inverters (SC MLIs) have received a great deal of interest that reduces the dc source requirement and improves the power quality. However, multiple dc sources and requirement of a large number of switches to generate a high-quality boost output are the fundamental issues in the SC MLIs. This paper presents a stepup 17-level SC MLI using reduced number of switches, three capacitors and a single dc source. The steady-state voltage across the capacitors is maintained in the ratio 1:2:0.5 that contributes to quadruple boosting ability without using any auxiliary capacitor voltage balancing circuit. Besides, lower switch count in the conduction path and operation of 50 % of the switches at fundamental frequency ensures total power loss reduction in the proposed circuit. A comparative assessment with recently developed 17-level MLIs in terms of the number of components, gain, stress and cost factor elucidates the advantages of the proposed MLI. After a detailed circuit analysis and loss evaluation, simulations are performed to verify the step-up and inherent balancing features of the proposed MLI. Further, using both the fundamental frequency and high-frequency switching techniques, extensive experimental test results are presented under different transient conditions to validate the operational feasibility of the 17-level prototype

Closed-Loop Control and Performance Evaluation of Reduced Part Count Multilevel Inverter Interfacing Grid-Connected PV System

Multilevel inverters (MLIs) have drawn a tremendous attention in power sector. Application of MLI has grown extensively to improve the power quality and efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) system. For an MLI interfacing PV system, the size, cost and voltage stress are the key constraints of the MLI that need to be minimized. This paper presents a novel reduced part count MLI interfacing single-stage grid-tied PV system along with a closed-loop control strategy. The proposed MLI consists of n repeating units and a level boosting circuit (LBC) that assists to generate 4n+7 voltage levels instead of 2n+3 levels. Three different algorithms are proposed for suitable selection of dc-link voltages to further enhance the levels. Comparative analysis is carried out to confirm the superiority of developed MLI. The workability of the proposed MLI is investigated with a 1.3 kW PV system. The closed-loop control strategy ensures the maximum power tracking, dc-link voltage balancing, satisfactory operation of the MLI and injection of clean sinusoidal grid current under any dynamic changes. Comprehensive simulation analysis is carried out considering a 15-level MLI structure. The practicality of the topological advancement for PV system is further confirmed by experimental tests under different dynamic conditions.publishedVersio

Recently Developed Reduced Switch Multilevel Inverter for Renewable Energy Integration and Drives Application: Topologies, Comprehensive Analysis and Comparative Evaluation

Recently, multilevel inverters (MLIs) have gained lots of interest in industry and academia, as they are changing into a viable technology for numerous applications, such as renewable power conversion system and drives. For these high power and high/medium voltage applications, MLIs are widely used as one of the advanced power converter topologies. To produce high-quality output without the need for a large number of switches, development of reduced switch MLI (RS MLI) topologies has been a major focus of current research. Therefore, this review paper focuses on a number of recently developed MLIs used in various applications. To assist with advanced current research in this field and in the selection of suitable inverter for various applications, significant understanding on these topologies is clearly summarized based on the three categories, i.e., symmetrical, asymmetrical, and modified topologies. This review paper also includes a comparison based on important performance parameters, detailed technical challenges, current focus, and future development trends. By a suitable combination of switches, the MLI produces a staircase output with low harmonic distortion. For a better understanding of the working principle, a single-phase RS MLI topology is experimentally illustrated for different level generation using both fundamental and high switching frequency techniques which will help the readers to gain the utmost knowledge for advance research

A Cost-Effective Design and Analysis of Full Bridge LLC Resonant Converter

LLC (Inductor-inductor-capacitor) resonant converter has lots of advantages over other type of resonant converters which include high efficiency, more reliable and have high power density. This paper presents the design and analysis of a full bridge LLC resonant converter. In addition to the operational principle, the ZVS and ZCS conditions are also explained with the DC characteristics. Simulation of the LLC resonant converter is performed in MATLAB/ Simulink and the practical prototype setup is analyzed in Proteus software. The result is verified through analysis and design of a low cost, 200 watt prototype converter

Wireless Power Transfer Application in GSM Controlled Robot for Home Automation

The aim of this paper is to combine the concept of wireless power transfer and GSM controlled robot for the application of home automation. The wireless power transfer concept can be well utilized to charge battery of the GSM controlled robot. When the robot has completed its task, it can come to the origin where it can charge itself. Robot can be charged wirelessly, when it is not performing any task. Combination of GSM controlled robot and wireless power transfer provides greater advantage such as; no wastage of charge stored in the battery when the robot is not doing any task. This provides greater reliability that at any instant, robot can do its work once it receives a message through GSM module. GSM module of the robot and user mobile phone must be interfaced properly, so that robot can do task when it receives message from same user mobile phone, not from any other phone. This paper approaches a robotic movement control through the smart phone and control of GSM robot is done by programming in Arduino environment. The commands used in controlling the robot movement are also explained