Optimized IGWO Based MPPT for High-Gain 13-Level Switched Capacitor Multilevel Inverter

This paper presents an improved grey wolf optimization (IGWO)-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique for a high-gain 13-level switched capacitor multilevel inverter (13-L HGSC-MLI). The proposed 13-L HGSC-MLI has two main parts: a front-end DC/DC converter that keeps the input current continuous, and a switched capacitor (SC) unit with 11 switches, 2 diodes, and 3 capacitors that boost the voltage. The continuous input current of the boost converter effectively reduces the large charging currents of capacitors, hence improving the problem of inrush current. Switching ensures capacitors are self-balanced. Additionally, the proposed 13-L HGSC-MLI reduces dominant lower-order harmonics by using selective harmonic elimination pulse-width modulation (SHE-PWM), which is also based on IGWO. The IGWO-based MPPT algorithm adjusts dynamically to temperature and sun irradiance to maximize solar power extraction. The integration of the IGWO algorithm with the boost converter and HGSC-MLI results in a highly efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution for renewable energy systems. The experimental results validate the superior performance of the proposed system, demonstrating significant improvements in power output and efficiency.