Closed-Loop Current Control of a Three-Phase, Two-Level Medium Voltage Power Converter Enabled by 10 kV SiC MOSFETs

Closed-loop current control of three-phase, two-level power electronic converters has matured for more than 50 years; however, with the introduction of wide bandgap semiconductor devices, new control challenges are arising due to their faster switching speeds. Implementation of a closed-loop current controller for power electronic converters enabled by silicon-carbide MOSFETs is not a trivial task, as the signal integrity of the feedback measurements is challenged by the increased noise levels. In severe cases, the noise levels may exceed the tolerated values which may cause a malfunction of the power electronic converter by disturbing the digital controller or other auxiliary equipment. This paper provides the first-ever implemented and experimentally validated closed-loop current controller for a three-phase, two-level medium voltage power electronic converter enabled by 10 kV SiC MOSFET dies. Its performance has been evaluated in the dq reference frame showing satisfactory steady-state performance and no signs of instability.