A simplified space-vector modulation algorithm for four-leg NPC converters

Rojas, Felix; Cardenas, Roberto; Kennel, Ralph; Clare, Jon C.; Diaz, Matias

Abstract

To interface generation sources and loads to four-wire distribution networks is important to use power converters and modulation methods which provide high performance, flexi¬bility and reliability. To achieve these goals, this paper proposes a simple and efficient Space Vector Modulation (SVM) algorithm in α3-y coordinates for Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) converters. The proposed SVM method reduces a three-dimensional (α3-y) search of the modulating vectors into a simple two-dimensional (α3) problem. Moreover, the algorithm provides full utilisation of the dc-link voltage, full utilisation of the redundant vectors and it can be applied to any other four-leg converter topology. The proposed SVM has been successfully validated using a 6kW three-level four-leg NPC converter, achieving control over the voltages of the dc-link capacitors and simple definition of switching pattern for shaping frequency spectrum.

Citation

Rojas, F., Cardenas, R., Kennel, R., Clare, J. C., & Diaz, M. (2016). A simplified space-vector modulation algorithm for four-leg NPC converters. IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, 32(11), 8371-8380. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPEL.2016.2618061

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 30, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Oct 18, 2016
• Publication Date: Nov 30, 2016
• Deposit Date: Oct 12, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 12, 2017
• Journal: IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics
• Print ISSN: 0885-8993
• Electronic ISSN: 1941-0107
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 8371-8380
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TPEL.2016.2618061
• Keywords: NPC converters, four-leg converters, Space vec¬tor Modulation (SVM), Distributed Power Generation Systems (DPGS), Unbalanced Distribution Systems
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/826519
• Publisher URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7592426/
• Additional Information: ©2017 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other users, including reprinting/ republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted components of this work in other works.
• Contract Date: Oct 12, 2017