This paper proposes a PWM based modulation strategy particularly useful for three-level multi-phase Neutral-Point-Clamped Converters. It achieves similar results to those obtained with the space vector modulation but allowing a very fast and simple implementation in a digital controller. The proposed algorithm is able to maintain the neutral-point voltage under control by the addition of a zero-sequence voltage component to the modulation signals. A simple and efficient methodology to calculate the most appropriate zero-sequence component is described. In addition the modulation strategy is completely general, regardless the number of phases of the converter, and therefore it is easy extendible to n-phase converters.

Peer Reviewed