Reduction of passive filtering in aerospace starter/generator systems using a multilevel converter with predictive current control

The application of predictive current control to a multilevel converter is investigated in an aerospace starter-generator system. The use of a multilevel inverter with predictive current control enables the system to reduce the harmonic distortion in the current waveform when compared to a conventional Field Orientated Controller. It is important that the power converter is optimized to control the current harmonics as aerospace starter-generators are typically low inductance machines. Experimental results taken from a prototype inverter show a substantial reduction in THD is achieved using the proposed controller.