Comparative evaluation of losses in 3L and 5L ANPC converters using HV-IGBT modules

This paper compares 3-level and a 5-level ANPC-VSCs in terms of the power losses and the maximum output current given by the junction temperature of the most stressed device, in a wide range of operating points, by simulating theses converters with 4.5 kV, 120 A IGBT modules connected in series. The junction temperature of the most stressed semiconductors limits the maximum allowable output current, and in order to calculate these temperatures, power losses and thermal models are needed. The results show that the 3L-ANPC can deliver larger currents compared with the 5L-ANPC at the same average switching frequency, but with a comparable output harmonic quality, the performance of both converters are more comparable, although not similar.