Finite Set MPC Algorithm for Achieving Thermal Redistribution in a Neutral-Point-Clamped Converter

The three level neutral-point clamped (3L-NPC) topology is one of the most widely used multilevel topologies in the low and medium voltage applications and also one of the most commercialized topologies. Although it offers many benefits compared to the conventional two level topology, it suffers from a considerable unequal loss distribution among the inner and outer switches and the clamping diodes. To solve this problem, we are proposing a control algorithm based on the finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) that can provide a more balanced stress distribution. For implementing the proposed control algorithm no additional measurements are required nor thermal models of the semiconductor devices. The algorithm benefits are even more noticeable during low voltage ride through (LVRT) scenarios when the output voltage level of the converter is low and the current amplitude is high. Obtained simulation results confirm the positive effects on the thermal redistribution and also the junction temperatures of the most stressed devices are reduced. Effects of the algorithm are also verified on an experimental set-up.

[1]  F. Blaabjerg,et al.  Frequency-Domain Thermal Modeling and Characterization of Power Semiconductor Devices , 2016, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[2]  José R. Rodríguez,et al.  A Survey on Neutral-Point-Clamped Inverters , 2010, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[3]  Leopoldo G. Franquelo,et al.  Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems: An Overview of Recent Research and Emerging PV Converter Technology , 2015, IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine.

[4]  U. Ammann,et al.  Predictive Approach to Increase Efficiency and Reduce Switching Losses on Matrix Converters , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[5]  Zhe Chen,et al.  Design and comparison of full-size converters for large variable-speed wind turbines , 2007, 2007 European Conference on Power Electronics and Applications.

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

[7]  Josep Bordonau,et al.  Model Predictive Current Control of Grid-Connected Neutral-Point-Clamped Converters to Meet Low-Voltage Ride-Through Requirements , 2015, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[8]  Ralph Kennel,et al.  Model predictive control -- a simple and powerful method to control power converters , 2009, 2009 IEEE 6th International Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference.

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

[10]  Frede Blaabjerg,et al.  Asymmetric power device rating selection for even temperature distribution in NPC inverter , 2017, 2017 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE).

[11]  Tomislav Dragičević,et al.  Model Predictive Control of Power Converters for Robust and Fast Operation of AC Microgrids , 2018, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[12]  Mariusz Malinowski,et al.  Comparison of 2.3-kV Medium-Voltage Multilevel Converters for Industrial Medium-Voltage Drives , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[13]  Tomislav Dragicevic,et al.  Analytical Design and Performance Validation of Finite Set MPC Regulated Power Converters , 2019, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[14]  Patricio Cortes Estay,et al.  Predictive control of power converters and electrical drives , 2012 .

[15]  Kashem M. Muttaqi,et al.  Solar PV and Battery Storage Integration using a New Configuration of a Three-Level NPC Inverter With Advanced Control Strategy , 2014, IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion.

[16]  Frede Blaabjerg,et al.  Modulation Methods for Neutral-Point-Clamped Wind Power Converter Achieving Loss and Thermal Redistribution Under Low-Voltage Ride-Through , 2014, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[17]  Haitham Abu-Rub,et al.  Predictive Control of a Grid-Tied Cascaded Full-Bridge NPC Inverter for Reducing High-Frequency Common-Mode Voltage Components , 2018, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics.

[18]  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).

[19]  Vaclav Smidl,et al.  Frequency spectrum shaping using finite control set MPC with LQ lookahead , 2015, 2015 IEEE International Symposium on Predictive Control of Electrical Drives and Power Electronics (PRECEDE).

[20]  Ke Ma,et al.  Modulation Methods for Three-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped Inverter Achieving Stress Redistribution Under Moderate Modulation Index , 2016, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[21]  Marco Liserre,et al.  Thermal-based finite control set model predictive control for IGBT power electronic converters , 2016, 2016 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE).

[22]  Marco Liserre,et al.  Thermal Stress Based Model Predictive Control of Electric Drives , 2018, IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications.

[23]  Masahito Shoyama,et al.  Thermal Stresses Relief Carrier-Based PWM Strategy for Single-Phase Multilevel Inverters , 2017, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[24]  Gamal M. Dousoky,et al.  A unified SVM algorithm for lifetime prolongation of thermally-overheated power devices in multi-level inverters , 2016, 2016 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE).

[25]  Bin Wu,et al.  Selective Harmonic Elimination Model Predictive Control for Multilevel Power Converters , 2017, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.