Abstract
In this paper, a Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy is introduced for its application in a four-level quasi-nested topology, feeding an Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (IPMSM) AC-drive. The proposed control strategy is capable to synthesize the required output space vectors to ensure perfect tracking of the AC-drive speed reference under different loading conditions, while also ensuring voltage balance between the dc-link capacitors. The proposed converter topology is based on a reduced number of components compared to other mature converter topologies, such as the neutral-point clamped converter (NPC) or the active neutral-point clamped converter (ANPC) topologies, when compared in terms of the number of output voltage levels, since this quasi-nested topology does not require passive clamping devices such as diodes or active switches. Moreover, no floating dc-link capacitors with asymmetrical voltage levels are employed, thus simplifying the dc-link capacitor voltage balance mechanism. This work presents the switching operation principles and MPC control law when supplying an IPMSM AC-drive load are addressed in detail. Simulation and validation results using a Hardware in the Loop (HIL) prototype under different operation conditions are presented in order to validate the proposed converter topology and control strategy.
Highlights
Modern industrial processes are commonly based on high demanding electric drive systems and high inductive loads
Simulation results have been carried out using PLECS software for modeling the converter topology and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine, and for the implementation of the Model Predictive Control (MPC) scheme in C code
The analysis considered the same scenarios for the simulation and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) validation in order to have a better conceptualization and verification of the results
Summary
Modern industrial processes are commonly based on high demanding electric drive systems and high inductive loads. Many of the previously mentioned processes are continuously increasing their power ratings to reach higher production rates and efficiency, leading to higher voltage and current levels without compromising energy quality standards These issues have promoted the research and development of the technology of semiconductors in order to reach higher operational voltages and currents, which are currently at 8 kV and 6 kA, respectively) [1,2,3], while maintaining traditional converter topologies (mainly two-level voltage and current source converters), and by introducing new converter topologies, preserving the traditional semiconductors, in new arrangements called multilevel converters [4]. When going into high power applications, semiconductors become more expensive and other requirements referred to their power quality have to be fulfilled, introducing the need of input/output filters
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