Multilevel Power Electronic Converters for Electrical motor Drives

Abstract

Power electronic converters are widely used in industrial power conversion systems both for utility and drives applications. As the power level increases, the voltage level is increased accordingly to obtain satisfactory efficiency. During the last years, the voltage rating of fast switching high voltage semiconductors such as the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) has increased. Still, there is a need for series connection of switching devices. In this area of applications, the Multilevel Converter has shown growing popularity.

The fundamental advantages of the Multilevel Converter topologies are low distorted output waveforms and limited voltage stress on the switching devices. The main disadvantages are higher complexity and more difficult control.

In this thesis, Multilevel Converters are analysed for large motor drive applications. The main focus has been on converter losses, output waveform quality and control.

Analytical expressions for both switching and conduction losses for 4- and 5-level Diode Clamped Converters have been developed. The investigation shows that the losses can be reduced by utilizing a multilevel topology for a 1 MW drive. This work is presented in [46]. The same reduction in losses is proven for a 2300V/ 3 MW drive.

Analytical expressions for the harmonic losses in 3-level converters have been developed for 2 different Carrier Based PWM schemes, presented in [56], [57] and [58]. Also Space Vector PWM are investigated and compared by simulations, in addition to 4- and 5-level Carrier Based PWM.

DC-bus balancing in both 3- and 5-level converters is discussed. Balancing in 3- level converters can be achieved by proper control. Balancing in 5-level converters can be achieved by proper arrangement of isolated DC-supplies.

One 40kW 3-level converter and one 5kW 5-level converter has been designed and built. Experimental verification of the analytical and simulated results is shown.