Optimized space vector switching sequences for multilevel inverters

Previous work has shown that space vector modulation and carrier modulation for two-level inverters achieve the same phase leg switching sequences when appropriate zero sequence offsets are added to the reference waveforms for carrier modulation. This paper presents a similar equivalence between the phase disposition (PD) carrier and space vector modulation strategies applied to diode clamped, cascaded N-level or hybrid multilevel inverters. By analysis of the time integral trajectory of the converter voltage, the paper shows that the optimal harmonic profile for a space vector modulator occurs when the two middle space vectors are centered in each switching cycle. The required zero sequence offset to achieve this centring for an equivalent carrier based modulator is then determined. The results can be applied to any multilevel converter topology without differentiation. Discontinuous behavior is also examined, with the space vector and carrier based modulation methods shown to similarly produce identical performance. Both simulation and experimental results are presented.     

A Pulsewidth Modulated Control of Induction Motor Drive Using Multilevel 12-Sided Polygonal Voltage Space Vectors

In this paper, a novel 12-sided polygonal space vector structure is proposed for an induction motor drive. The space vector pattern presented in this paper consists of two 12-sided concentric polygons with the outer polygon having a radius double the inner one. As compared to previously reported 12-sided polygonal space vector structures, this paper subdivides the space vector plane into smaller sized triangles. This helps in reducing the switching frequency of the inverters without deteriorating the output voltage quality. It also reduces the device ratings and $dnu/ dt$ stress on the devices to half. At the same time, other benefits obtained from the existing 12-sided space vector structure, such as increased linear modulation range and complete elimination of 5th and 7th order harmonics in the phase voltage, are also retained in this paper. The space vector structure is realized by feeding an open-end induction motor with two conventional three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) inverters with asymmetric isolated dc link voltage sources. The neutral point voltage fluctuations in the three-level NPC inverters are eliminated by utilizing the switching state multiplicities for a space vector point. The pulsewidth modulation timings are calculated using sampled reference waveform amplitudes and are explained in detail in this paper. Experimental verification on a laboratory prototype shows that this configuration may be considered suitable for high power drives.      

Three-Level Inverter Scheme With Common Mode Voltage Elimination and DC Link Capacitor Voltage Balancing for an Open-End Winding Induction Motor Drive

A dc link capacitor voltage balancing scheme along with common mode voltage elimination is proposed for an induction motor drive, with open-end winding structure. The motor is fed from both the ends with three-level inverters generating a five level output voltage space phasor structure. If switching combinations, with zero common mode voltage in the pole voltage, are used, then the resultant voltage space vector combinations are equivalent to that of a three-level inverter. The proposed inverter vector locations exhibit greater multiplicity in the inverter switching combinations which is suitably exploited to arrive at a capacitor voltage balancing scheme. This allows the use of a single dc link power supply for the combined inverter structure. The simultaneous task of common mode voltage elimination with dc link capacitor voltage balancing, using only the switching state redundancies, is experimentally verified on a 1.5-kW induction motor drive     

Concise modulation strategies for four-leg voltage source inverters

The continuous, discontinuous pulse-width modulation (PWM) schemes and a novel space vector modulation methodology are proposed in this paper for four-leg dc-ac inverters. Using a space vector definition that includes the zero sequence voltage component and partitioning the feasible sixteen modes into two separate sets - one set having zero sequence voltages with positive magnitudes and the other set with negative magnitudes - the novel space vector implementation technique is determined as also the discontinuous carrier based PWM scheme. For the continuous carrier based PWM scheme, the indeterminate defining output voltage equations expressed in terms of the existence functions of the switching devices are solved using an optimization technique. The modulation schemes determined are shown by experimental results to synthesis any desirable balanced or unbalanced three-phase voltage sets when operating in the linear modulation region.     

Space vector PWM technique with minimum switching losses and avariable pulse rate [for VSI]

A novel randomized control strategy for three-phase voltage source inverters, based on voltage space vectors, is described. An implicit asymmetrical modulating function results in switching losses in the inverter being reduced by about half in comparison with those using the classic space vector pulsewidth PWM method. The pulse rate is varied within individual 60° sectors of the vector plane, so that the power spectra of the output voltage are spread over a wide frequency range and acquire a continuous part. Relevant theoretical analyses, computer simulations and experimental results are presented     

Three-level inverter configuration with common mode voltage elimination for induction motor drive （To continue）

The multiplicity of vector combinations for vectors of combined three-level inverters plays an important role, when deciding on the modulation scheme, to obtain minimum switching per inverter vector change, as described in the next Section. This is not possible with reduced common- mode three-level inverter structure, obtained with a five-level cascaded H-bridge configuration, as the space vectors loca- tions do not exhibit multiplicity. Moreover, the proposed configuration requires only two power supplies, whereas the scheme with the five-level H-bridge configuration requires six isolated power supplies.     

基于预前控制异步电机直接转矩控制方案的研究

在传统异步电动机直接转矩控制方案中，由于负载的变化规律不可预测，因此其常会带来较大的开关频率的变化，为此提出了一种基于预前控制的异步电动机直接转矩控制的方法。该方法依据前一个周期的磁链和转矩误差，对下一个开关周期所应施加到异步电动机的定子电压矢量进行预测，然后借助空间矢量PWM的方法，合成此开关电压矢量。样机实验结果表明，该方案不但能维持逆变器的开关频率基本恒定，而且还具有比传统直接转矩控制更为优良的动静态特性。     

Real-Time Calculation of Switching Angles Minimizing THD for Multilevel Inverters With Step Modulation

Multilevel inverters have been widely applied in industries. A family of optimal pulsewidth modulation (PWM) methods for multilevel inverters, such as step modulation, can generate output voltage with less harmonic distortion than popular modulation strategies, such as the carrier-based sinusoidal PWM or the space vector PWM. However, some drawbacks limit the application of optimal PWM. One of such crucial drawback is that the optimal switching angles could not be calculated in real-time and one has to rely on lookup tables with precalculated angles. We propose a novel real-time algorithm for calculating switching angles that minimizes total harmonic distortion (THD) for step modulation. We give a mathematical proof that the output voltage has the minimum THD. We implemented the algorithm on a digital signal processor and provide experimental results that verify the performance of the proposed algorithm.      

A novel direct torque controlled interior permanent magnet synchronous machine drive with low ripple in flux and torque and fixed switching frequency

A modified direct torque control (DTC) scheme for interior permanent magnet synchronous machine (IPMSM) is investigated in this paper, which features in very low flux and torque ripple and almost fixed switching frequency. It is based on the compensation of the error flux linkage vector by means of space vector modulation. Modeling and experimental results show that the flux and torque ripples are greatly reduced when compared with those of the basic DTC. With the new scheme, very short sampling time is not essential. All the advantages of the basic DTC are still retained. In addition, fixed switching frequency at different operating conditions becomes possible. The field-weakening control of this drive is also studied; an IPM DTC drive with a wider operation range and lower flux and torque ripple has been achieved experimentally.     

A high-performance vector control of an 11-level inverter

This paper presents a switching strategy for multilevel cascade inverters, based on the space-vector theory. The proposed high-performance strategy generates a voltage vector across the load with minimum error with respect to the sinusoidal reference. In addition, it generates very low harmonic distortion operating with reduced switching frequency, without the use of traditional sinusoidal pulsewidth modulation techniques or more sophisticated vector modulation methods.     

Research of the equivalent relationship between the space vector and the triangular carrier-based PWM modulation strategies in the flying capacitor multilevel inverters

ABSTRACT

The equivalent relationship between the carrier-based modulation (CBPWM) and the space vector modulation (SVPWM) based on the flying capacitor multilevel inverters has not been analysed systematically. Due to the redundancies of the flying capacitor multilevel inverters, this paper firstly focuses on the switching sequence and the working ratio of each switching state and then proposes a novel method of decomposing modulation wave. This method can distribute the ratio of redundancies arbitrarily to satisfy the requirements of the output. Taking three- and five-level inverters as examples, by injecting a zero-sequence voltage into the CBPWM modulation wave and then decomposing the new modulation wave, we can get the same sequence of SVPWM modulation. This method takes the advantages of using simple CBPWM to realise the complex output of SVPWM, such as double- and quadruple-frequency output. At last, we deduce the equivalent relationship between the SVPWM and CBPWM in n-level with an arbitrary number of segments. Experimental results verify the correctness of the equivalent relationship.     

Space vector pulse width modulation of three-level inverter extending operation into overmodulation region

Multilevel voltage-fed inverters with space vector pulse width modulation have established their importance in high power high performance industrial drive applications. The paper proposes an overmodulation strategy of space vector PWM of a three-level inverter with linear transfer characteristic that easily extends from the undermodulation strategy previously developed by the authors for neural network implementation. The overmodulation strategy is very complex because of large number of inverter switching states, and hybrid in nature, that incorporates both undermodulation and overmodulation algorithms. The paper describes systematically the algorithm development, system analysis, DSP based implementation, and extensive evaluation study to validate the modulator performance. The modulator takes the command voltage and angle information at the input and generates symmetrical PWM waves for the three phases of an IGBT inverter that operates at 1.0 kHz switching frequency. The switching states are distributed such that the neutral point voltage always remains balanced. An open loop volts/Hz controlled induction motor drive has been evaluated extensively by smoothly varying the voltage and frequency in the whole speed range that covers both undermodulation and overmodulation (nearest to square-wave) regions, and performance was found to be excellent. The PWM algorithm can be easily extended to vector-controlled drive. The algorithm development is again fully compatible for implementation by a neural network.     

A Space Vector Modulation Scheme to Reduce Common Mode Voltage for Cascaded Multilevel Inverters

Multilevel inverters can reduce the common mode voltage generated. Schemes have been reported for multilevel inverters that reduce the common mode voltage. However, most of the schemes result in reduced modulation depth, high switching losses, and high harmonic distortion. This paper proposes a space-vector modulation scheme to reduce common mode voltage for cascaded multilevel inverters. The proposed scheme can increase the voltage range of operation by about 17% and can produce lower total harmonic distortion than the previously proposed schemes. The scheme is explained for five-level inverter. The scheme can be easily extended to a n-level inverter. Both experimental and simulation results are provided.     

A Space Vector PWM Scheme for Multifrequency Output Voltage Generation With Multiphase Voltage-Source Inverters

Multiphase variable-speed drives, supplied from two-level voltage-source inverters (VSIs), are nowadays considered for various industrial applications. Depending on the drive structure and/or the motor design, the VSI is required to generate either sinusoidal voltages or voltages that contain a certain number of sinusoidal components (ldquomultifrequency output voltagesrdquo). The existing space vector pulsewidth-modulation (SVPWM) schemes are based on selection of (n-1) active space vectors (for odd phase numbers) within a switching period and they yield either sinusoidal voltage or sinusoidal fundamental voltage in combination with a limited amount of other harmonic terms. This paper develops a SVPWM scheme, which enables multifrequency output voltage generation with arbitrary values of various sinusoidal components in the output voltage. The method is based on initial selection of (n-1)²/2 active space vectors within a switching period, instead of the common (n-1) active vectors. By properly arranging the sequence of the vector application, it is possible to provide an automatic postreduction of the number of applied active vectors to (n-1), thus maintaining the same switching frequency as with the existing schemes while simultaneously avoiding the limiting on the generated sinusoidal output voltage components. Theoretical considerations are detailed using a five-phase VSI. The experimental verification is provided using a five-phase two-motor series-connected induction motor drive, supplied from a custom-designed five-phase DSP-controlled VSI.     

Topological and Modulation Design of Three-Level Z-Source Inverters

This paper presents the development of two three- level cascaded Z-source inverters, whose output voltage can be stepped down or up unlike a traditional buck three-level inverter. The proposed inverters are designed using two three-phase voltage-source inverter bridges, supplied by two uniquely designed Z-source impedance networks. These three-phase bridges can either be cascaded at their dc sides to form a dc-link-cascaded Z-source inverter or at their ac outputs using single-phase transformers to form a dual Z-source inverter. The dc-link-cascaded inverter has the advantages of not using any clamping diodes and transformers, but does not have redundant switching states within a phase leg for equalizing switching losses among the power devices. This constraint limits the modulation options for the dc-link-cascaded inverter, and indeed, it can only be controlled using the modified carrier disposition technique with appropriate “Z-source shoot-through” states inserted for achieving balanced voltage boosting and optimal “nearest-three-vectors” switching. On the other hand, the dual Z-source inverter with transformer isolation can be controlled using different modulation approaches due to the presence of redundant switching states within a phase leg. Particularly, using a modified phase-shifted-carrier (PSC) scheme with shoot-through states inserted, it is shown that the dual inverter can be implemented using only a single Z-source network, while still achieving the correct volt-sec average and switching loss equalization. This represents a significant reduction in cost, and can more than compensate for the slightly degraded spectral characteristics of the PSC scheme. To verify the theoretical concepts discussed, experimental testing has been performed with the captured results presented in a later section of the paper.      

Optimal Variable Switching Frequency Scheme for Reducing Switching Loss in Single-Phase Inverters Based on Time-Domain Ripple Analysis

The choice of switching frequency for pulsewidth modulation single-phase inverters, such as those used in grid-connected photovoltaic application, is usually a tradeoff between reducing the total harmonic distortion (THD) and reducing the switching loss. This paper discusses an approach to minimize the switching loss while meeting a given THD requirement using variable switching frequency schemes (switching schemes with the switching frequency varying within a fundamental period). An optimal switching scheme is proposed based on time-domain current ripple analysis and the calculus of variations. The analysis shows that, to meet the same THD requirement, the optimal scheme has a significant saving on switching loss, compared to the fixed switching frequency scheme and the hysteresis control scheme, in addition to other benefits such as reduced peak switching loss and a spread spectrum of the current harmonics. The optimal scheme has been implemented in a prototype and the experimental results have verified the theoretical analysis. Also, a straightforward design method for designing filter inductors for single-phase converters is provided based on the time-domain current ripple analysis.     

一种优化三电平逆变器的SVPWM算法的研究

针对传统SVPWM算法计算复杂的缺点,提出一种基于60°坐标下三电平逆变器SVPWM调制算法的控制策略。该控制策略可大幅简化传统SVPWM算法参考矢量扇区判定及开关矢量作用时间的运算,通过在g-h非正交坐标系内对大小扇区规则判断、基本矢量作用时间计算和作用顺序方法进行了研究,减小了控制器的计算工作量。采用Matlab/Simulink仿真软件对该控制策略进行了仿真,仿真结果验证了该控制策略的正确性及有效性。     

A General Space Vector PWM Algorithm for Multilevel Inverters, Including Operation in Overmodulation Range

This paper proposes a simple space vector pulsewidth modulation algorithm for a multilevel inverter for operation in the overmodulation range. The proposed scheme easily determines the location of the reference vector and calculates on-times. It uses a simple mapping to generate gating signals for the inverter. A five-level cascaded inverter is used to explain the scheme. The scheme can be easily extended to a n-level inverter. It is applicable to neutral point clamped topology as well. Experimental results are provided for five-level and seven-level cascaded inverters     

Novel resonant pole inverter for brushless DC motor drive system

The brushless dc motor (BDCM) has been widely used in industrial applications because of its low inertia, fast response, high power density, high reliability, and maintenance-free reputation. It is usually supplied by a hard-switching pulse width modulation inverter, which normally displays relative low efficiency since the power losses across the switching devices are high. In order to reduce the losses, many soft switching inverters have been designed. However, these inverters have such disadvantages as high device voltage stress, large dc link voltage ripple, discrete pulse modulation, and complex control scheme. This paper introduces a novel resonant pole inverter, which is unique to a BDCM drive system, and is easy to implement. The inverter possesses the advantages of low switching power loss, low inductor power loss, low device voltage stress, and simple control scheme. The operation principle of the inverter is analyzed. Simulation and experimental results are proposed to verify the theoretical analysis.     

基于TMS320F240的三电平逆变器SVPWM实现

在两电平的常规空间矢量PWM算法的基础上，给出了三电平空间矢量PWM算法，并提出一种改进的三电平空间矢量PWM调制策略来进行二极管钳位型三电平逆变器的控制，从而实现最小开关损耗。基于TMS320F240 USP实现了三电平逆变系统的数字控制，实验结果论证了该方案的可行性。