An improved SPWM control approach with aid of ant lion optimization for minimizing the THD in multilevel inverters

This article presents an innovative asymmetric multilevel inverter (MLI) topology that outperforms conventional counterparts. The introduced topology presents a breakthrough in implementing power electronics control by maximizing specific levels while minimizing switching components. A cutting-edge control scheme for optimal operation of the cascaded half-bridge MLI is presented. The ant lion optimization (ALO) algorithm was implemented to optimize the switching control to reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) and improve power quality. For verification, the performance and effectiveness of the ALO technique are assessed by comparing its results to those obtained using the simplified sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SSPWM) technique, genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) in existing literature. Simulation results verified the efficacy of ALO in finding the optimal parameters. The suggested method showcases a remarkable reduction in the THD compared to SSPWM. The quality of the resulting waveform was enhanced, and both filter size and cost were significantly reduced. To meet stringent IEEE standards, an LC filter has been designed with minimal size and proper requirements. Experimental results validation of the suggested scheme, using a dSPACE R&D controller board unequivocally, confirmed its robustness and effectiveness. This groundbreaking study not only introduces a superior asymmetric MLI topology but also validates its exceptional performance through comprehensive analysis and experimentation. The experimental waveforms showed good matching with the simulation outcomes. The findings hold immense promise for advancing the field of power system control and revolutionizing the designing and implementation of efficient and cost-effective inverter systems.