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Title: Multilevel converters for large electric drives

Conference ·
OSTI ID:634130

Traditional two-level high frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) inverters for motor drives have several problems associated with their high frequency switching which produces common-mode voltage and high voltage change (dV/dt) rates to the motor windings. Multilevel inverters solve these problems because their devices can switch at a much lower frequency. Two different multilevel topologies are identified for use as a converter for electric drives, a cascade inverter with separate dc sources and a back-to-back diode clamped converter. The cascade inverter is a natural fit for large automotive all electric drives because of the high VA ratings possible and because it uses several levels of dc voltage sources which would be available from batteries or fuel cells. The back to back diode damped converter is ideal where a source of ac voltage is available such as a hybrid electric vehicle. Simulation and experimental results show the superiority of these two converters over PWM based drives.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., Engineering Technology Div., TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-96OR22464
OSTI ID:
634130
Report Number(s):
ORNL/CP-95563; CONF-980207-; ON: DE98001911; TRN: AHC2DT01%%141
Resource Relation:
Conference: 1998 IEEE applied power electronics conference, Anaheim, CA (United States), 15-19 Feb 1998; Other Information: PBD: Nov 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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