Power losses analysis of two-level and three-level neutral clamped inverters for a wind pump storage system

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is analyzing the possibilities of improving the efficiency of a 2 kW wind pump storage system at low wind conditions. Two possible solutions are considered for the converter supplying the induction motor pump system: two-level and respectively three-level NPC inverter. Inverter total power losses are computed based on models proposed in the paper, considering a very low wind speed. Space vector pulse width modulation technique is used in both cases. Trench IGBT modules of 1200 V, respectively 600 V are considered as switches and 600 V SIC diode as clamping diode for the three-level NPC inverter.