Design and Implementation of a Three-Phase Active T-Type NPC Inverter for Low-Voltage Microgrids

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of a 3 kVA three-phase active T-type neutral-point clamped (NPC) inverter with GaN power devices for low-voltage microgrids. The designed inverter is used in a battery-based energy system (BESS) for power conversion optimization in applications to low-voltage microgrids. A modular design method has been developed for the design and implementation of the AT-NPC inverter. Experimental verification has been carried out based on a 3-kW three-phase T-Type NPC grid-connected inverter. FPGA based digital control technique has been developed for the current control of the three-level three-phase grid inverter. A maximum efficiency of 98.49% has been achieved within a load range from 50% to 75%.