Abstract
The use of voltage source multilevel inverters (VS-MLIs) has grown enormously over the last decade, and it is expected that these inverters will be deployed in future power grids (smart grids), especially for medium voltage-high power applications. This paper investigates the application of passive power filters (PPFs) for harmonic mitigation at the output of VS-MLIs for more efficient grid integration of renewable energy sources. It proposes a generic model, using a heuristic approach, for the optimum design of an LCL power filter at the output of VS-MLIs. The proposed model transforms the LCL filter design problem into an optimization problem and applies a genetic algorithm (GA) to solve it. The objective function to be optimized is a multi-objective function based on inverters' total harmonic distortion and energy losses. The optimization problem is subject to applied design constraints. As a main optimization objective, a precise evaluation methodology for the inverter power losses is presented, which was built according to a practical switching device datasheet. The method is applicable to any VS-MLI topology and any number of levels (N). As a case study, the proposed design optimization approach was implemented to optimally design the LCL filter at the output of a grid connected 11 KV, 5 MVA 7-level cascaded H-bridge multilevel invert (CHB-MLI). The IGBT module Device IGBT of type FZ400R65KE3 by Infineon was used for simulation. MATLAB-SIMULINK is used for the modelling and simulation. We found that the proposed design approach is more generic, efficient, and simple to apply than conventional design approaches which requires more system detail, relies more on the designer's experience, and normally does not results in optimum design. The proposed approach is generic and can be applied for different VS-MLIs topologies and for any number of levels (N).