Analysis of Allowable Unbalanced Load Conditions for T-Type Three-Level PWM Converter

• Main Author: Kui-Jun Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-09-01
• Series: Energies
• Subjects: T-type; unbalanced; PWM converter; offset duty; neutral point current
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/18/5969

Since a T-type three-level PWM converter has several advantages in terms of harmonics and conduction loss, it has been widely adopted for various low voltage applications. However, a neutral point voltage control is necessarily required for stable system operation, and an offset voltage can effectively provide the required neutral point current under unbalanced load conditions. Nevertheless, all types of unbalanced loads cannot be accommodated; in other words, there is a limitation on how much unbalanced load conditions can be allowed. Therefore, this paper analyzed the maximum allowable unbalanced load conditions in the T-type three-level PWM converter. This result can be properly utilized for an effective design verification considering unbalanced load conditions as well as a comprehensive approach for the stable system operation. The feasibility of the analytical result is verified through simulation and experimental tests.