A SVM-3D generalized algorithm for multilevel converters

A novel three dimensional space vector algorithm of multilevel converters for compensating harmonics and homopolar component in system with neutral is presented. This generalized method provides an online computation of the nearest switching vectors sequence to the reference vector and calculates the on-state durations of the respective switching state vectors without involving trigonometric functions, look-up tables or coordinate system transformations which increase the computational load corresponding to the modulation of multilevel converters. The low computational cost of the proposed method is always the same and it is independent of the number of levels of the converter. The conventional 2D space vector algorithms are particular cases of the proposed generalized modulation algorithm. The algorithm provides the switching sequence that minimizes the total harmonic distortion and the commutation number of the semiconductor devices.