Current-source converter on-line pattern generator switching frequency minimization

On-line pulsewidth modulation (PWM) pattern generators for current-source rectifiers and inverters offer a number of control advantages over off-line optimized patterns. However, when implemented using the principles which apply to voltage-source inverter PWM pattern generators, the switching frequency is equal to: (1) the carrier frequency in standard carrier-based implementations and (2) a function of the cycle frequency, sequence of space vectors, and selection of the zero space vector in space vector implementations. This paper shows that this frequency can be reduced to one-half of the respective frequencies. Two pattern generators are investigated: (1) an analog on-line carrier-based technique, namely, the modified dead-band technique and (2) a digital on-line space vector-based technique, where advantage is taken of the extra zero state available in current-source converters. It is shown that the switching frequency reduction is achieved with no penalty in the line current harmonic distortion. Moreover, a significant reduction of AC line current distortion is obtained with the modified dead-band technique for modulation indexes greater than 0.4. The principles of operation of the proposed schemes are explained, Experimental results on a 5 kVA current-source rectifier and a 5 kVA current-source inverter confirm the feasibility and features of the proposed pattern generators.