Minimization of the Power Losses in IGBT Multiphase Inverters with Carrier-Based Pulsewidth Modulation

Nowadays, there is an increasing interest toward multiphase drives, particularly for medium- and high-power applications. In this paper, some modulation strategies for multiphase voltage-source inverters are compared and the modulation strategy with the minimum switching losses is determined. If the switching devices of the inverter are insulated-gate bipolar transistors or bipolar junction transistors, this modulation strategy turns out to be the one with the minimum total power losses. Simulation and experimental results confirm the validity of the analytical approach and the feasibility of the proposed modulation strategy.