This study introduces a pioneering method to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of three-phase five-level reduced switch cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverters (CHB MLI) by employing the Henry Gas Solubility Optimization (HGSO) algorithm. Targeting the selective harmonic elimination (SHE) technique, the research emphasizes the optimization of switching angles to significantly reduce total harmonic distortion (THD) and align the fundamental output voltage closely with the reference voltage. Central to this exploration are three distinct objective functions (OFs), meticulously designed to assess the HGSO algorithm’s performance across various modulation indices. Simulation results, facilitated by PSIM software, illustrate the impactful role these objective functions play in the optimization process. OF1 demonstrated a superior ability in generating low OF values and maintaining a consistent match between reference and fundamental voltages across the modulation index spectrum. Regarding the reduction of THD, it is crucial to emphasize that all OFs can identify the most effective switching angle to minimize THD and eliminate the fifth harmonic to a level below 0.1%. The findings highlight the potential of HGSO in solving complex optimization challenges within power electronics, offering a novel pathway for advancing modulation strategies in CHB MLIs and contributing to the development of more efficient, reliable, and compact power conversion systems.
