Simple space vector PWM scheme for 3-level NPC inverters including the overmodulation region

Abstract

This paper proposes a simple space vector PWM (SVPWM) scheme including overmodulation operation for 3-level NPC (Neutral Point Clamped) Inverters. The proposed scheme features a simple decision and calculation procedure for determining switching times in the overmodulation range by utilizing the duty calculation method used in 2-level inverters and the minimum phase error projection method widely employed in motor drive systems. The proposed scheme does not need to detect the angle of the reference vector or calculate trigonometric functions to determine the magnitude of the voltage vector. The magnitude of the angle of the new reference voltage vector is decided in advance with the help of the Fourier Series Expansion to extend the linearity of the output voltage of 3-level inverters in the overmodulation region. Experimental results demonstrate the validity of the proposed SVPWM scheme including overmodulation operation for 3-level NPC inverters.