TY - GEN
T1 - Switching loss analysis of modulation methods used in cascaded H-bridge multilevel converters
AU - Kouro, Samir
AU - Pérez, Marcelo
AU - Robles, Hernán
AU - Rodríguez, José
PY - 2008
Y1 - 2008
N2 - Multilevel converters are used mainly in medium-voltage high-power applications. In this field, switching losses are an important issue due to long term operation costs and cooling system design. Previous works have centered the analysis in comparing different topologies and semiconductors in relation to switching losses. However, switching losses are also closely related to the modulation method used to control the converter, since they are responsible of producing the commutations. This paper presents an in depth evaluation of switching losses produced by the most representative modulation schemes used for cascaded H-bridge topologies. To perform this analysis, a switching loss estimation model is developed based on experimental measurements and semiconductors datasheets. Then, each modulation method is simulated and evaluated with the switching loss model, to compute the energy loss of each commutation. The losses are obtained for a full representative fundamental cycle, and then expressed in terms of normalized energy loss in relation to the rated values. The aim of the paper is to provide quantitative results to compare the different modulation schemes in terms of efficiency and performance. Some comments regarding the application scope for each method based on the results are included.
AB - Multilevel converters are used mainly in medium-voltage high-power applications. In this field, switching losses are an important issue due to long term operation costs and cooling system design. Previous works have centered the analysis in comparing different topologies and semiconductors in relation to switching losses. However, switching losses are also closely related to the modulation method used to control the converter, since they are responsible of producing the commutations. This paper presents an in depth evaluation of switching losses produced by the most representative modulation schemes used for cascaded H-bridge topologies. To perform this analysis, a switching loss estimation model is developed based on experimental measurements and semiconductors datasheets. Then, each modulation method is simulated and evaluated with the switching loss model, to compute the energy loss of each commutation. The losses are obtained for a full representative fundamental cycle, and then expressed in terms of normalized energy loss in relation to the rated values. The aim of the paper is to provide quantitative results to compare the different modulation schemes in terms of efficiency and performance. Some comments regarding the application scope for each method based on the results are included.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=52349091660&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1109/PESC.2008.4592703
DO - 10.1109/PESC.2008.4592703
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:52349091660
SN - 9781424416684
T3 - PESC Record - IEEE Annual Power Electronics Specialists Conference
SP - 4662
EP - 4668
BT - PESC '08 - 39th IEEE Annual Power Electronics Specialists Conference - Proceedings
T2 - PESC '08 - 39th IEEE Annual Power Electronics Specialists Conference
Y2 - 15 June 2008 through 19 June 2008
ER -