Modelling and analysis of a multilevel voltage source inverter applied as a static var compensator

A multilevel PWM voltage source inverter, especially a five-level one, is introduced to obtain a static var compensator (SVC) as a large scale power source. The multilevel inverter has many advantages, such as better utilization of the switching devices, lower switching frequency at each semiconductor switch and reduced harmonics. In this paper, the SVC with five-level inverter is modelled using circuit DQ transformation and completely analysed including DC and AC characteristics. It is also pointed out that the modulation indexes depend on the values of the DC side capacitors to meet the DC side voltage balancing, Finally, through the experimental results from a 5kVA SVC, the validity of the analyses and the feasibility of the var compensation system are shown for high power applications.