An Improved Virtual Space Vector Modulation Scheme for Three-Level Active Neutral-Point-Clamped Inverter

This paper presents an improved virtual space vector modulation (IVSVM) scheme for a three-level active neutral-point-clamped (3L-ANPC) inverter to balance neutral-point potential (NP), reduce switching loss, and suppress common mode voltage (CMV). In the IVSVM scheme, an improved virtual medium vector (VMV) is synthesized by the original medium vector and the adjacent two pairs of the small vectors since there are always two pairs of the small vectors in any regions of the new space vector diagram. The improved VMV provides the flexibility to control the NP balancing under any modulation indexes and power factors in one switching cycle while achieving SL reduction and CMV suppression. This is achieved by the proper selection of two pairs of small vectors in terms of NP charge and the pulse sequence. The experimental platform based on a 3L-ANPC inverter is established and results obtained to verify the effectiveness of the IVSVM control strategy.