DC-Bus Voltage Balancing Algorithm for Three-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped (NPC) Traction Inverter Drive With Modified Virtual Space Vector

A modified-virtual-space-vector-based dc-link voltage balancing strategy is proposed in this paper for a three-level inverter. In the proposed strategy, the summation of the three-phase currents for virtual vector needs not to be zero and it also keeps the two capacitor voltages balanced with wider range of load variations. The duty cycles for all the power switches are also derived in this paper using a nearest three-voltage vector scheme. Due to the reduced use of the medium voltage vectors, the proposed control strategy can considerably decrease the neutral-point voltage fluctuation for lower power-factor-based loads as well. Detailed simulation and experimental studies are also carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed system with a dc-link voltage balancing strategy with permanent magnet synchronous machine. Voltage and current harmonic distortions are also presented with change in modulation index. A Dspace-based real-time operating system is used for real-time implementation with a 6.0-kW surface permanent magnet synchronous motor.