A Carrier-Based Virtual Space Vector Modulation With Active Neutral-Point Voltage Control for a Neutral-Point-Clamped Three-Level Inverter

Abstract

Virtual space vector pulsewidth modulation (VSVPWM) for the neutral-point (NP)-clamped three-level inverter is briefly reviewed in this paper, as well as its carrier-based realization. The carrier-based VSVPWM (CB_VSVPWM) is featured with dual modulation waves and a single carrier. Although CB_VSVPWM can make NP voltage unfluctuating in theory, it does not have the NP voltage recovery ability. In practice, due to the effect of nonidea factor effects, NP voltage may shift. Thus, active NP voltage control (ANPVC) is necessary. To achieve that, three ANPVC approaches are proposed based on CB_VSVPWM in this paper. The NP voltage control ability of CB_VSVPWM with ANPVC is analyzed. Finally, comprehensive experiments are carried out to verify the feasibility of the proposed method.