Determining the Optimum Operating Parameters of a Unipolar Pwm Inverter

This study presents a determination of the optimum operating parameters of a unipolar PWM inverter through theoretical and experimental analysis. The inverter is investigated in its simplest form without input DC-DC conversion or output filtering. The intent of this study is to understand the core of the inverter thoroughly before adding peripheral elements such as output filtering. Variations on the input voltage level and switching frequency were investigated to determine their impacts on the operation of the inverter and harmonics produced. Theoretical modeling and calculations confirmed by experimental measurements and analysis allow determination of the inverter operating conditions which allow highest converter efficiency with lowest distortion. Results suggest highest efficiency and lowest harmonic distortion is achieved at the lowest input voltage (just above the peak of the desired fundamental component) and lowest switching frequency independent of output power. v Acknowledgements This document is the culmination of my educational experience thus far and, therefore, I believe it is important to not only thank people for their assistance and support with regards to this study, but also for my college education in general. I would like to thank my parents for their continual support of my education. The strong values and work ethic that I have obtained throughout my life are rooted in what they have instilled in me. I would also like to thank my sister for her emotional support throughout college. In the last five years, the two of us have had to deal with some life changing situations and I could not have gotten through them without her support and guidance. Outside of my immediate family, I cannot go without thanking God. I would also like to thank Dr. Taufik. He gave me my first interest in power and that is where it all began. He has offered guidance throughout my college years and the many successes I have had at Cal Poly are owed to the special attention he has given me. It is this same special attention that he gives to many of his students showing that he genuinely cares for their education and them as people and friends. I would like to thank Dr. Shaban for the education I have received in power systems and I cannot go without thanking the many friends in electrical engineering that I have gained over the years. Lastly, I must thank my wife-to-be. With reference to this thesis, her assistance …