Semiconductor loss distribution evaluation for three level ANPC converter using different modulation strategies

Active neutral point clamped (ANPC) converter was developed in order to improve the performances of the neutral point clamped (NPC) converter in terms of the semiconductor loss distribution. Loss distribution depends primarily on modulation type used for generation of the switching signals, therefore it is important to find the appropriate modulation type that will allow the most uniform loss distribution. In order to analyze the behavior of the grid connected ANPC converter a simulation model was created in Plexim blockset Plecs in Matlab/Simulink. Through simulations seven PWM modulations are analyzed for different operating modes and modulation indexes of the ANPC converter in order to find the appropriate modulation method for different operation points of the converter.