Dual two-level inverter scheme for an open-end winding induction motor drive with a single DC power supply and improved DC bus utilisation

Abstract

A dual two-level inverter fed open-end winding induction motor drive with a single DC-power supply is proposed. The proposed scheme produces voltage space vector locations identical to those of a conventional three-level inverter. In the conventional neutral-clamped three-level inverter, the series-connected DC link capacitors carry the load current, resulting in a fluctuating neutral point. Also, a three-level inverter requires bulky DC link capacitors. In the proposed scheme, the DC link capacitors carry currents of higher frequency and hence the neutral point fluctuations are reduced. A PWM switching strategy to suppress the zero sequence currents for all the voltage space phasor combinations is also proposed. This strategy is an improvisation of the one that uses a switched neutral to eliminate the triplen harmonic currents and results in an improved DC bus utilisation.