Contents I. Introduction
Multilevel converters are widely used in high-power applications such as motor drives, utility applications, and, more recently, photovoltaic systems and wind generation [1]–[8].
Abstract:
This paper presents a hybrid modulation technique for the three-level neutral-point-clamped converter. A modulation strategy, based on two modulation signals per phase, w...Show MoreMetadata
Abstract:
This paper presents a hybrid modulation technique for the three-level neutral-point-clamped converter. A modulation strategy, based on two modulation signals per phase, was presented previously. This strategy completely removes the low-frequency voltage oscillations that appear at the neutral point (NP) in some operation conditions. However, it also has a major drawback: it significantly increases the switching losses of the converter. The proposal in this paper combines such a modulation strategy with sinusoidal pulsewidth modulation (SPWM). The main characteristic of this hybrid modulation is the reduction in switching losses at the cost of some low-frequency voltage oscillations at the NP. The amplitude of these oscillations can be controlled by varying the combination of the two strategies. The performance of the hybrid modulation is analyzed and compared with the original strategies. Power losses and oscillation amplitudes on the dc-link capacitors are evaluated. Experimental results show how the hybrid modulation performs by balancing the dc-link capacitors.
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics ( Volume: 56, Issue: 2, February 2009)
Terrassa Industrial Electronics Group, Technical University of Catalonia, Terrassa, Spain
Jordi Zaragoza (S'08) received the B.S. degree in electronic engineering and the M.S. degree in automatic and electronic industrial engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 2001 and 2004, respectively. He is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in the Terrassa Industrial Electronics Group, Department of Electronic Engineering, UPC, Terrassa, Spain.
In 2003, he was a member of ...Show More
Jordi Zaragoza (S'08) received the B.S. degree in electronic engineering and the M.S. degree in automatic and electronic industrial engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 2001 and 2004, respectively. He is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in the Terrassa Industrial Electronics Group, Department of Electronic Engineering, UPC, Terrassa, Spain.
In 2003, he was a member of ...View more
Terrassa Industrial Electronics Group, Technical University of Catalonia, Terrassa, Spain
Josep Pou (S'97–M'03) received the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 1989, 1996, and 2002, respectively.
In 1989, he was the Technical Director of Polylux S.A. In 1990, he joined the faculty at UPC, first as an Assistant Professor and then as an Associate Professor in 1993. From February 2001 to January 2002 and from February 2005 ...Show More
Josep Pou (S'97–M'03) received the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 1989, 1996, and 2002, respectively.
In 1989, he was the Technical Director of Polylux S.A. In 1990, he joined the faculty at UPC, first as an Assistant Professor and then as an Associate Professor in 1993. From February 2001 to January 2002 and from February 2005 ...View more
Energy Unit, Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain
Salvador Ceballos (S'07) was born in Santander, Spain, in 1978. He received the B.S. degree in physics from the University of Cantabria, Santander, in 2001, and the B.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in electronic engineering from the University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain, in 2002 and 2008, respectively.
Since 2002, he has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where he is currently a Developmen...Show More
Salvador Ceballos (S'07) was born in Santander, Spain, in 1978. He received the B.S. degree in physics from the University of Cantabria, Santander, in 2001, and the B.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in electronic engineering from the University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain, in 2002 and 2008, respectively.
Since 2002, he has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where he is currently a Developmen...View more
University of Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Bilbao, Spain
Energy Unit, Robotiker Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain
University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
Eider Robles was born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1980. She received the M.S. degree in electronic and automatic engineering from the University of Deusto, Bilbao, in 2003. She is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in the Department of Electronic Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain.
Since 2003, she has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where she is currently a Resea...Show More
Eider Robles was born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1980. She received the M.S. degree in electronic and automatic engineering from the University of Deusto, Bilbao, in 2003. She is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in the Department of Electronic Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain.
Since 2003, she has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where she is currently a Resea...View more
Energy Unit, Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain
Pedro Ibáñez (M'08) was born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1964. He received the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain, in 1988 and 1991, respectively.
He was an Assistant Professor of electronic technology with the Electronics and Telecommunications Department, University of the Basque Country, from 1988 to 1997, where he became an Associate Professor in 1997. Si...Show More
Pedro Ibáñez (M'08) was born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1964. He received the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain, in 1988 and 1991, respectively.
He was an Assistant Professor of electronic technology with the Electronics and Telecommunications Department, University of the Basque Country, from 1988 to 1997, where he became an Associate Professor in 1997. Si...View more
Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain
Energy Unit, Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain
Jose Luis Villate received the B.S. degree in physics from the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain, in 1991, and the M.Sc. degree in advanced manufacturing technologies from the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Bilbao, Bilbao, in 1992, where he is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree.
He is working in the field of power converters for renewable energy sources (RESs). Since 1992, he has been with t...Show More
Jose Luis Villate received the B.S. degree in physics from the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain, in 1991, and the M.Sc. degree in advanced manufacturing technologies from the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Bilbao, Bilbao, in 1992, where he is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree.
He is working in the field of power converters for renewable energy sources (RESs). Since 1992, he has been with t...View more
Terrassa Industrial Electronics Group, Technical University of Catalonia, Terrassa, Spain
Jordi Zaragoza (S'08) received the B.S. degree in electronic engineering and the M.S. degree in automatic and electronic industrial engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 2001 and 2004, respectively. He is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in the Terrassa Industrial Electronics Group, Department of Electronic Engineering, UPC, Terrassa, Spain.
In 2003, he was a member of the faculty at UPC as an Assistant Professor. From September 2006 to September 2007, he was a Researcher with the Energy Unit, Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain. He has authored more than 20 published technical papers. His research interests include modeling and control of power converters, multilevel converters, wind energy, and power quality.
Mr. Zaragoza is a Student Member of the IEEE Power Electronics and IEEE Industrial Electronics Societies.
Jordi Zaragoza (S'08) received the B.S. degree in electronic engineering and the M.S. degree in automatic and electronic industrial engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 2001 and 2004, respectively. He is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in the Terrassa Industrial Electronics Group, Department of Electronic Engineering, UPC, Terrassa, Spain.
In 2003, he was a member of the faculty at UPC as an Assistant Professor. From September 2006 to September 2007, he was a Researcher with the Energy Unit, Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain. He has authored more than 20 published technical papers. His research interests include modeling and control of power converters, multilevel converters, wind energy, and power quality.
Mr. Zaragoza is a Student Member of the IEEE Power Electronics and IEEE Industrial Electronics Societies.View more
Terrassa Industrial Electronics Group, Technical University of Catalonia, Terrassa, Spain
Josep Pou (S'97–M'03) received the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 1989, 1996, and 2002, respectively.
In 1989, he was the Technical Director of Polylux S.A. In 1990, he joined the faculty at UPC, first as an Assistant Professor and then as an Associate Professor in 1993. From February 2001 to January 2002 and from February 2005 to January 2006, he was a Researcher with the Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg. He is currently with the Terrassa Industrial Electronics Group, Department of Electronic Engineering, UPC, Terrassa, Spain. He has authored more than 80 published technical papers and has been involved in several industrial projects and educational programs in the fields of power electronics and systems. His research interests include modeling and control of power converters, multilevel converters, power quality, renewable energy systems, and motor drives.
Dr. Pou is a member of the IEEE Power Electronics, IEEE Industrial Electronics, and IEEE Industry Applications Societies.
Josep Pou (S'97–M'03) received the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 1989, 1996, and 2002, respectively.
In 1989, he was the Technical Director of Polylux S.A. In 1990, he joined the faculty at UPC, first as an Assistant Professor and then as an Associate Professor in 1993. From February 2001 to January 2002 and from February 2005 to January 2006, he was a Researcher with the Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg. He is currently with the Terrassa Industrial Electronics Group, Department of Electronic Engineering, UPC, Terrassa, Spain. He has authored more than 80 published technical papers and has been involved in several industrial projects and educational programs in the fields of power electronics and systems. His research interests include modeling and control of power converters, multilevel converters, power quality, renewable energy systems, and motor drives.
Dr. Pou is a member of the IEEE Power Electronics, IEEE Industrial Electronics, and IEEE Industry Applications Societies.View more
Energy Unit, Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain
Salvador Ceballos (S'07) was born in Santander, Spain, in 1978. He received the B.S. degree in physics from the University of Cantabria, Santander, in 2001, and the B.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in electronic engineering from the University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain, in 2002 and 2008, respectively.
Since 2002, he has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where he is currently a Development Engineer with the Energy Unit. He is the author or coauthor of more than 20 published technical papers. His research interests include multilevel converters and fault-tolerant power electronic topologies.
Salvador Ceballos (S'07) was born in Santander, Spain, in 1978. He received the B.S. degree in physics from the University of Cantabria, Santander, in 2001, and the B.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in electronic engineering from the University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain, in 2002 and 2008, respectively.
Since 2002, he has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where he is currently a Development Engineer with the Energy Unit. He is the author or coauthor of more than 20 published technical papers. His research interests include multilevel converters and fault-tolerant power electronic topologies.View more
University of Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Bilbao, Spain
Energy Unit, Robotiker Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain
University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
Eider Robles was born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1980. She received the M.S. degree in electronic and automatic engineering from the University of Deusto, Bilbao, in 2003. She is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in the Department of Electronic Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain.
Since 2003, she has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where she is currently a Research Engineer with the Energy Unit. She is the author or coauthor of more than 15 international conference communications. Her main research interests include grid connection and control of synchronous wind turbines with multilevel converters.
Eider Robles was born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1980. She received the M.S. degree in electronic and automatic engineering from the University of Deusto, Bilbao, in 2003. She is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in the Department of Electronic Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain.
Since 2003, she has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where she is currently a Research Engineer with the Energy Unit. She is the author or coauthor of more than 15 international conference communications. Her main research interests include grid connection and control of synchronous wind turbines with multilevel converters.View more
Energy Unit, Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain
Pedro Ibáñez (M'08) was born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1964. He received the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain, in 1988 and 1991, respectively.
He was an Assistant Professor of electronic technology with the Electronics and Telecommunications Department, University of the Basque Country, from 1988 to 1997, where he became an Associate Professor in 1997. Since 1992, he has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where he is currently the Technology Director of the Energy Unit. He has worked on many projects related to electronics systems, digital control systems, and power converters for energy applications. He has participated in more than 30 research projects supported by public institutions (including the EU), and private companies. He is the author or coauthor of more than 30 papers and conference communications presented at national and international forums.
Pedro Ibáñez (M'08) was born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1964. He received the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain, in 1988 and 1991, respectively.
He was an Assistant Professor of electronic technology with the Electronics and Telecommunications Department, University of the Basque Country, from 1988 to 1997, where he became an Associate Professor in 1997. Since 1992, he has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where he is currently the Technology Director of the Energy Unit. He has worked on many projects related to electronics systems, digital control systems, and power converters for energy applications. He has participated in more than 30 research projects supported by public institutions (including the EU), and private companies. He is the author or coauthor of more than 30 papers and conference communications presented at national and international forums.View more
Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain
Energy Unit, Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain
Jose Luis Villate received the B.S. degree in physics from the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain, in 1991, and the M.Sc. degree in advanced manufacturing technologies from the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Bilbao, Bilbao, in 1992, where he is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree.
He is working in the field of power converters for renewable energy sources (RESs). Since 1992, he has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where he is currently the Head of the Marine Energy Section, Energy Unit. Between 1998 and 2000, he was a Lecturer of industrial control with the Engineering School of Deusto, Bilbao. He has worked on many projects related to electronics, digital control systems, and power converters for the integration of RESs into the grid. He is the Chair of the Spanish standardization group for marine energy converters, and he is also a member of the Spanish standardization group of wind turbines. He is the Spanish Alternate Member for the Implementing Agreement on Ocean Energy of the International Energy Agency. He is the author or coauthor of more than 30 papers and conference communications presented at national and international forums. He is the holder of four patents, three of which are for wind energy applications.
Jose Luis Villate received the B.S. degree in physics from the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain, in 1991, and the M.Sc. degree in advanced manufacturing technologies from the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Bilbao, Bilbao, in 1992, where he is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree.
He is working in the field of power converters for renewable energy sources (RESs). Since 1992, he has been with the Robotiker–Tecnalia Technology Center, Zamudio, Spain, where he is currently the Head of the Marine Energy Section, Energy Unit. Between 1998 and 2000, he was a Lecturer of industrial control with the Engineering School of Deusto, Bilbao. He has worked on many projects related to electronics, digital control systems, and power converters for the integration of RESs into the grid. He is the Chair of the Spanish standardization group for marine energy converters, and he is also a member of the Spanish standardization group of wind turbines. He is the Spanish Alternate Member for the Implementing Agreement on Ocean Energy of the International Energy Agency. He is the author or coauthor of more than 30 papers and conference communications presented at national and international forums. He is the holder of four patents, three of which are for wind energy applications.View more
