Feedforward Loss Control of Three-Level

The three-level neutral-point-clamped voltage-source converter (NPC VSC) is widely used in high-power medium- voltage (MV) applications. To overcome its major drawback—the unequal loss distribution among the semiconductors—the use of active NPC (ANPC) switches was previously proposed. In this pa- per, a simple feedforward loss-control scheme for the ANPC con- verter is presented. The principle of operation of the ANPC VSC is experimentally verified for the first time. Electrical measurements on a low-voltage test bench prove the proper function of the ANPC converter. Infrared junction temperature measurements confirm the improved loss distribution using the new loss-control scheme. Finally, the authors demonstrate the superior performance of the loss-controlled ANPC converter in various MV applications.

[1]  D. G. Holmes,et al.  Optimal pulse-width modulation for three-level inverters , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[2]  J. K. Steinke,et al.  A reliable, interface-friendly medium voltage drive based on the robust IGCT and DTC technologies , 1999, Conference Record of the 1999 IEEE Industry Applications Conference. Thirty-Forth IAS Annual Meeting (Cat. No.99CH36370).

[3]  Abb Switzerland,et al.  Large area IGCTs with improved SOA , 2004 .

[4]  Steffen Bernet,et al.  The active NPC converter and its loss-balancing control , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[5]  Hirofumi Akagi,et al.  A New Neutral-Point-Clamped PWM Inverter , 1981, IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications.

[6]  T. Bruckner,et al.  Loss balancing in three-level voltage source inverters applying active NPC switches , 2001, 2001 IEEE 32nd Annual Power Electronics Specialists Conference (IEEE Cat. No.01CH37230).

[7]  P.K. Steimer,et al.  Very High Power IGCT PEBB technology , 2005, 2005 IEEE 36th Power Electronics Specialists Conference.