A new optimized space-vector modulation strategy for a component-minimized voltage source inverter

Abstract

This paper presents a new space-vector modulation strategy suitable for a low-cost pulse-width-modulation (PWM) voltage-source (VS) inverter employing only four switches, four diodes, and a split-capacitor bank in the DC link. The work is motivated by the need for an efficient and flexible modulation method, which is optimized with respect to minimum machine-torque ripple. The modulation strategy is named space-vector modulation for four-switch inverter (SVMFSI), and it is realized by planning the switching patterns between four active voltage vectors on the basis of a desired flux trajectory for the stator-flux vector in the AC machine. The strategy is implemented in a single 8-bit microcontroller as a double-sided modulation strategy. Simulations of the machine-torque ripple are performed at a switching frequency of 4 kHz and indicate a torque ripple of 14% at nominal load. Finally, selected results are verified experimentally on a 1.5-kVA prototype B4 inverter. The test results indicate high-quality output-voltage spectra with no low-order voltage harmonics and a harmonic-loss factor (HLF) of 1.12% at unity modulation index.