Rapid protyping CHIL methodology for advanced converter studies

This paper addresses the utilization of a rapid-prototyping control methodology coupled with a real-time digital simulator to facilitate the instantiation of a 10kW multilevel neutral point clamped (NPC) converter. Multi-level converters offer a wide range of benefits due to their ability to synthesize waveforms with less quantization, resulting in lower THD; and the ability to reduce device stress enabling them to operate over a larger range of voltage. In this specific case we are addressing the controller development of a 3L-NPC operating at 1kHz utilizing a space-vector modulated switching algorithm. In this particular application the 3L-NPC is operating as an active rectifier in unity power factor mode on the input side and providing a 3 terminal DC output. At up-scaled power levels these type of converters could potentially provide a proposed DC distribution system aboard next generation navy ships.