Simplified Two-Stage Model Predictive Control for a Hybrid Multilevel Converter With Floating H-Bridge

This article proposes a simplified two-stage model predictive control (ST-MPC) for a hybrid multilevel converter, which is an active-neutral-point-clamped converter with floating H-bridge (ANPC-H). The objective of the first stage is to select the voltage vector that has the optimal current tracking performance by using a novel geometrical positioning approach in the complex plane. The second stage selects the best switching state among all the available switching states that belong to the same voltage vector obtained in the first stage, to balance dc capacitor voltages and reduce the common mode voltage. The proposed ST-MPC can dramatically reduce the computational burden and ensure the best current tracking by the two-stage structure, such that the execution time is much shorter compared with the conventional MPC. In addition, the geometrical positioning approach in the first stage is generic and can be applicable for any multilevel converters with N-level output; thus, this ST-MPC can be applied for both seven- and nine-level operation of the hybrid ANPC-H converter under different dc voltage ratios. Both simulation results and experimental results obtained on a silicon carbide hybrid ANPC-H converter prototype validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed ST-MPC strategy.