Natural balancing of the neutral-point-clamped converter

Date
2003-12
Authors
Salagae, Isaac Mahijoko
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The three-level neutral-point-clamped(NPC) converter, being a widely used multilevel inverter, received a lot of attention recently due to problems associated with de-link capacitor voltage balancing. There are mainly two problems associated with the neutralpoint voltage of the NPC inverter: 1. At high modulation indices a low frequency ripple occurs on the neutral-point voltage. 2. Steady-state unbalance in the neutral-point voltage may arise due to a variety of factors including component imperfections, transients and other non-idealities and imbalances. In this thesis we study the balancing problem with focus on the steady-state imbalance. This is achieved by a systematic and mathematically rigorous study of the natural balancing mechanisms of the three-level three-phase NPC inverter. Orthogonality of two sets of switching spectra in the frequency domain would imply that the DC-bus voltages balance in the steady state. This is done through mathematical analysis using Carrara's PWM strategy of alternative phase opposition disposition(APOD), phase opposition disposition( POD) and phase disposition(PD); and Bennet's geometric model for double Fourier series adapted for use with power converter systems by Bowes. The theory is verified through simulation.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Aangesien die drie-vlak, geklemde, neutrale-punt omsetter(NPC) 'n algemene omsetter konfigurasie is, is daar onlangs baie aandag gegee aan die probleme wat geassosieer word met die balansering van die omsetter se gelykstroombuskapasitorspanning. Die twee hoof probleme wat gepaart gaan met die neutraalpuntspanning van die NPC omsetter is: 1. Met 'n ho modulasie-indeks ontstaan daar 'n lae frekwensie rippel op die neutralepuntspanning. 2. 'n Bestendige toestand wanbalans van die neutrale-puntspanning kan ontstaan as gevolg van 'n verskeidenheid faktore, onder andere komponent nie-idealiteite, oorgangs- en ander wanbalanse. In hierdie tesis word op die bestendige-toestandwanbalans gefokus. Dit word gedoen deur middel van die neutraalbalanseeringsmeganisme van die drie-vlak, drie-fase NPC omsetter, sistematies en gedetaileerd wiskundig te bestudeer. In die bestendige toestand sal orgonaliteit van twee stelle skakel spektras in die frekwensie gebied, GS-bus spanning balans impliseer. Dit word wiskundig geanaliseer deur gebruik te maak van Carrara se alternatiewe fase opposiesie disposisie (APOD), fase oposisie disposisie (POD) en fase disposisie(PD), puls-wydte modulasie strategie, asook Bennet se geometriese modelle vir die dubbel Fourier reeks wat aangepas is vir drywingsomsetters deur Bowes. Ten slotte is die teorie geverifieer deur simulasies.
Description
Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003.
Keywords
Electric inverters, Dissertations -- Electronic engineering, Theses -- Electronic engineering
Citation