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This paper introduces a novel hybrid seven-level converter that is based on the upgrade of the five-level active neutral-point-clamped converter concept and is suitable for high-power applications. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis for the operation of the converter. Based on the analysis, a space vector modulation (SVM)-based switching strategy that takes advantage of redundant switching vectors of the SVM strategy to counteract the voltage drift phenomenon of the proposed converter is proposed. The limit to the range of operation of the seven-level converter based on the proposed SVM strategy is also presented. It is shown that the ability to stabilize the dc-link capacitor voltages and the per-phase flying capacitors is a function of the converter operating indices, i.e., the load power factor and modulation index. The salient feature of the proposed SVM-based control strategy is that it enables proper operation of the converter with no requirements for additional controls or auxiliary power circuitry, within the specified range of operation. Performance of a converter under various operating conditions, based on the proposed SVM strategy, in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, is evaluated and experimentally demonstrated.
Saeedifard et al. (2011) studied this question.