Modelling of low inductive busbars for medium voltage three-level NPC inverter

Design of low inductive busbars for medium voltage Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) inverter is studied. In a hard-switched inverter the stray inductance causes various problems, such as over voltages, current unbalance, and possible resonance with DC-link capacitors. These problems lead to improper operation of the inverter and an increased level of electromagnetic interference (EMI). The laminated busbars are known to be a good solution for minimizing the stray inductance. It is important to estimate and minimize the stray inductance of the busbars in an early design stage. FLUX3D is used to compare three physical layouts and analyze the influence of the placement of the main circuit components on the inductance value.