Enhanced power quality in a transformer-less eleven-level cascaded H-bridge inverter with hybrid PV-wind sources using enhanced Humboldt squid optimization

This research proposes a transformer-less eleven-level cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter (CHB-MLI) integrated with hybrid photovoltaic and wind power sources, presenting a novel approach to enhance power quality (PQ) and suppress harmonics. The study aims to address harmonic distortion and system complexity through a twofold strategy: (a) employing Phase Opposition Disposition Pulse Width Modulation (POD-PWM) for effective harmonic suppression and (b) introducing an Enhanced Humboldt Squid Optimization Algorithm (EHSOA) to optimize switching angles with a reduced number of switches. The optimization procedure minimizes DC sources and switches, improving the inverter’s efficiency. MATLAB/Simulink simulations validate the proposed method, achieving a low total harmonic distortion (THD) of 3.30%, significantly outperforming existing techniques. Additionally, power loss is reduced from 200 to 10 W, while efficiency approaches 100%, underscoring the optimization algorithm’s effectiveness in improving PQ and minimizing energy loss. This work highlights a practical, efficient solution for renewable energy integration in MLIs. The proposed model achieves a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 3.30%, which is compliant with IEEE 519-2022 standards for voltage harmonics (<5%).