Title :
A Survey of Low Switching Frequency Modulation Techniques for Medium-Voltage Multilevel Converters
Author :
Edpuganti, Amarendra ; Rathore, Akshay Kumar
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. & Comput. Eng., Nat. Univ. of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Abstract :
Multilevel converters (MLCs) have emerged as standard power electronic converters for medium-voltage high-power industrial applications. Owing to dominating device switching losses in high-power applications, it is preferable to use low device switching frequency (LDSF) modulation techniques. Then, it is possible to achieve higher device utilization, higher converter efficiency, and reduced cooling requirements. However, there exists a tradeoff between device switching frequency and harmonic distortion of converter output currents. Therefore, the main challenge for LDSF modulation techniques is to minimize the harmonic distortion of the output currents. The goal of this paper is to provide a review of various LDSF modulation techniques proposed in the literature and also discuss in detail about one of the emerging LDSF control techniques known as synchronous optimal pulsewidth modulation. Finally, challenges to LDSF modulation techniques for emerging multilevel topologies and future trends in applications of MLCs are discussed to motivate further research, to enhance the proposed LDSF techniques, and to explore for new alternatives.
Keywords :
PWM power convertors; frequency modulation; harmonic distortion; power conversion harmonics; LDSF control techniques; LDSF modulation techniques; MLC; converter output currents; device switching losses; device utilization; harmonic distortion; low device switching frequency modulation techniques; medium voltage high power industrial applications; medium voltage multilevel converters; multilevel topologies; power electronic converters; synchronous optimal pulsewidth modulation; Harmonic analysis; Modulation; Predictive control; Switches; Switching frequency; Topology; Low device switching frequency (LDSF) modulation; Low device switching frequency modulation; Medium voltage AC drives; Multilevel converters; medium-voltage ac drives; multilevel converters (MLCs);
Journal_Title :
Industry Applications, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TIA.2015.2437351