Comparative Analysis between Three Level NPC Inverter and Dual Inverter Motor Drives for SPM Synchronous Machines

Abstract

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSM) have gained increasing interest in industrial applications. Selection of the best motor drive topology for an application is a decision that involves consideration of various factors. In this research, a comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted between a Three Level Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) inverter based motor drive and a dual inverter based motor drive for Surface Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (SPMSM). Control systems and modulation schemes for the two drive topologies are designed considering a SPMSM available within the facilities of the Power Electronics, Machines and Control Group (PEMC) of the University of Nottingham (UoN). Comparative analysis is conducted via mathematical modelling of the drive topologies and through a series of simulations in Matlab/Simulink for control implementations in conjunction with PLECS Blockset for thermal modelling of power electronic elements. Finally, feasibility of the two drive control philosophies are experimented by coding the controllers in C and implementing them in a laboratory experimental setup.