Comparison of Two-Level and Three-Level NPC Inverter Topologies for a PMSM Drive for Electric Vehicle Applications

Multidimensional comparison of two-level and three-level DC/AC converters for a 120 kW permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) drive is carried out in this study. Comparison of two topologies with Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) and Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) by means of output current THD, conduction and switching losses, thermal stresses on semiconductors and switching frequency limitation are investigated at various operating points. Electro-thermal simulation of both topologies are achieved using PLECS tool with Silicon IGBT and diode pairs from SEMIKRON. Results of these analysis show the limitations of two-level inverter topology in terms of the switching frequency and point out the advantage of three-level inverter in high speed PMSM drives.

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