Duty-Cycle Correction-Based Model Predictive Current Control for PMSM Drives Fed by a Three-Level Inverter With Low Switching Frequency

In this article, a duty-cycle correction-based model predictive current control (DC-MPCC) is proposed for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) supplied by a neutral-point clamped three-level voltage source inverter (NPC-3LVSI). Unlike the conventional MPCC, which evaluates the impact of basic voltage vectors on the concerned state variables, the proposed DC-MPCC modifies the output voltage levels with optimized duty-cycle corrections. First, the last three-phase voltage levels are assumed to be kept during the next control period. Then, the current tracking error and neutral-point potential are predicted. After that, the voltage levels are modified with zero, one, or two state changes, which formulate seven candidate solutions. Subsequently, the duty-cycle corrections of the modified voltage levels are computed based on the principle of minimizing current tracking error and neutral-point voltage drift. Finally, the optimal switch sequence is generated by evaluating and sorting a cost function with a penalty on switch actions. The proposed DC-MPCC features variable switching instants, relatively lower sampling frequency, and satisfactory performance under low switching frequency. Experimental tests carried out on an NPC-3LVSI fed PMSM drive, with 100 Hz fundamental frequency and 400 Hz switching frequency, accompanied by a video demonstration, validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.