Series Hybrid Powertrain Based on the Dual Two-Level Inverter

A multilevel converter in the 'dual two level' configuration is proposed as the core of a hybrid series powertrain. The generation system of the powertrain is constituted by an internal combustion engine (ICE) connected to a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). This machine is in the three phase open end winding configuration and is driven by the dual two- level converter. The two dc-link of the multilevel converter supply two motor drives connected to the final mechanical transmission. A new control principle of the generation system is combined to a proper modulation strategy of the dual two- level converter allowing to share the generated power between the two output drives. The power sharing capability of the generation system satisfies the different power demand from the two output drives. This architecture can be applied to road vehicles (i.e. buses, urban light truck) where the two wheels are driven by the two motor drives, and to naval ship propulsion systems (i.c leisure craft, work craft) where two propeller shafts are driven by two motor drives. This powertrain configuration can be easily integrated with a battery energy storage system for pure electric operation of the system.