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Several pulsewidth modulation (PWM) strategies have been proposed for three-phase multilevel converters. Typically, these PWM methods can be either space-vector or carrier-based implemented, where the carrier-based implementation usually presents a lower computation complexity. In this paper, a novel approach for the carrier-based implementation of different existing PWM methods is proposed for three- (3L) and four-level (4L) dc–ac converters, which can be easily extended to any number of levels. The main features of the proposed approach are its reduced computation complexity and computation time. On the other hand, the proposed approach suggests the derivation of novel PWM strategies which can potentially present improved performance features. As an example, two new discontinuous PWM (DPWM) strategies are proposed for the 4L converter. One of these DPWM strategies presents lower weighted total harmonic distortion than other previously proposed strategies. Simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach and novel DPWM strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A neutral-point-clamped three-level inverter with small dc-link capacitors is presented in this paper. The inverter requires zero average neutral-point current for stable neutral-point voltage. The small dc-link capacitors may not maintain capacitor voltage balance, even with zero neutral-point current. This may happen due to nonlinearities present in the circuit. This requires a fast control of the neutral-point voltage. A simple carrier-based modulation strategy which allows modeling of the neutral-point voltage dynamics as a continuous function of power drawn from the inverter is proposed. This continuous model shows that the neutral-point current is proportional to the power drawn from the inverter, and it enables the use of a well-established classical control theory for the neutral-point voltage controller design. A simple proportional integral controller is designed for the neutral-point voltage control on the basis of the continuous model. The design method for optimum performance is discussed. The implementation of the proposed modulation strategy and the controller is very simple. The controller is implemented in a 7.5-kW induction machine-based drive with only 14 \mu \F dc-link capacitors. Also, the experimental results show that fast and stable performance of the neutral-point voltage controller are achieved and thus verify the validity of the proposed control approach. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract-In the previous literature, the introduction of the virtual-space-vector (VV) concept for the three-level, three-leg neutral-point-clamped converter has led to the definition of pulsewidth modulation (PWM) strategies, guaranteeing a dc-link capacitor voltage balance in every switching cycle under any type of load, with the only requirement being that the addition of the three phase currents equals zero. This paper presents the definition of the VVs for the general case of an n-level converter, suggests guidelines for designing VV PWM strategies, and provides the expressions of the leg duty-ratio waveforms corresponding to this family of PWMs for an easy implementation. Modulations defined upon these vectors enable the use of diode-clamped topologies with passive front-ends. The performance of these converters operated with the proposed PWMs is compared to the performance of alternative designs through analysis, simulation, and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several pulsewidth modulation (PWM) strategies have been proposed for the three-level three-phase diode-clamped dc-ac converter. Among them, the nearest-three virtual-space-vector PWM guarantees the dc-link capacitor voltage balance under any operating condition, provided that the addition of the three phase currents equals zero. This paper extends this modulation concept to the four level converter. The new virtual vectors are presented and a simple modulation solution is defined. Conventional nearest-three space vector PWM cannot comprehensively achieve balanced and stable dc-link voltages. The proposed modulation solution enables the practical use of the four-level converter since it guarantees the dc-link capacitor voltage balance for any operating condition and load, provided that the addition of the three phase currents equals zero. Simulation and experimental results prove the goodness of the presented approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the previous literature, it has been reported that it is not possible to guarantee the balance of the dc-link capacitor voltages of multilevel three-phase diode-clamped dc-ac converters with passive front-ends for high modulation indices, especially for more than three levels. This paper proposes a novel closed-loop control approach capable of guaranteeing such balance for all ope]rating conditions of the converters without the need for additional hardware. Three different phase duty-ratio perturbation schemes are proposed. They are compared through simulation for the case of a four-level three-phase diode-clamped dc-ac converter operated with a virtual-vector-based modulation. The most simple and effective perturbation scheme, only requiring the sensing of all dc-link capacitor voltages, is tested experimentally in the same four-level converter. The results demonstrate the feasibility of guaranteeing the dc-link capacitor voltage balance for all converter operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a closed-loop control scheme for the three-level three-phase neutral-point-clamped dc-ac converter using the optimized nearest three virtual-space-vector pulsewidth modulation, which is a modulation that produces low output-voltage distortion with a significant reduction of the dc-link capacitance. A new specific loop modifying the modulating waveforms is proposed to rapidly control possible perturbations in the neutral-point voltage balance. An online estimation of the load displacement angle and load linear/nonlinear nature is introduced at no extra cost. The remaining part of the control is analogous to the control for a two-level converter with an appropriate interfacing to the selected modulation. The closed-loop control is designed for the case of a renewable-energy source connected to the ac mains, and its performance is analyzed through simulation and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]