Abstract
This paper proposes a highly efficient single-phase three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) converter operated by a model predictive control (MPC) method with reduced commutations of switches. The proposed method only allows switching states with none or a single commutation at the next step as candidates for future switching states for the MPC method. Because the proposed method preselects switching states with reduced commutations when selecting an optimal state at a future step, the proposed method can reduce the number of switchings and the corresponding switching losses. Although the proposed method slightly increases the peak-to-peak variations of the two dc capacitor voltages, the developed method does not deteriorate the input current quality and input power factor despite the reduced number of switching numbers and losses. Thus, the proposed method can reduce the number of switching losses and lead to high efficiency, in comparison with the conventional MPC method.
Highlights
Multilevel converters have become popular in a variety of high-power systems owing to their low voltage stress, improved waveform qualities, and low electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Among several kinds of multilevel converters, three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) converters with relatively simple configurations have been realized for many application areas
The conventional model predictive control (MPC) method selects an optimal switching state among nine switching states allowed by the single-phase three-level NPC converter on the basis of a cost function considering the ac source current and the NP voltage balance
Summary
Multilevel converters have become popular in a variety of high-power systems owing to their low voltage stress, improved waveform qualities, and low electromagnetic interference (EMI). In [25], a model predictive control method for modular multilevel converters (MMCs) has been developed with a cost function which is aimed at the elimination of the MMC circulating currents, regulating the arm voltages, and controlling the ac-side currents This strategy tried to reduce power losses by decreasing the submodule switching frequency. A model predictive control method for the voltage source inverter has been developed to reduce switching losses by injecting future zero-sequence voltage [27] This approach decreased the switching losses by implementing optimal discontinuous pulse patterns to stop switching operations at vicinity of peak values of load currents. A highly efficient algorithm with a reduced number of switching and low switching losses for single-phase three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) converters is proposed based on a model predictive control (MPC) method with a decreased number of commutations of switches. Simulations and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
