The still increasing demand of electrical energy and the rising popularity of renewable energy sources in today's world are two important developments that necessitate the need for innovative solutions in the field of power electronics. Parallel operation of converters is one possible method in trying to bridge an increased current demand. The classical two-level converters, which are the standard in low voltage applications, are rarely adopted in medium and high voltage applications due to the voltage limits on power semiconductor devices. That is one reason for the growing popularity of multilevel converter topologies in medium and high-voltage applications. Although an increase in the number of voltage levels of a multilevel converter has its advantages, there are also challenges posed due to the increased number of switching devices. This has resulted in three-level converters being the most popular compared to converters of higher voltage levels. In this dissertation, the unified operation of parallel connected three-level converter units as a multilevel converter of higher voltage levels is proposed. The mathematical basis for operating parallel connected converter units as a single multilevel converter and the governing equations for such systems are derived. The analysis and the understanding of these equations are important for assessing practicality of the system and devising appropriate control structures. Parallel operation of converter units operating as multilevel converter have their own set of challenges, the two foremost being that of load-sharing and the possibility of circulating and cross currents. Developing solutions to address these challenges require a thorough understanding of how these manifest in the proposed system. Algorithms are then developed for tackling these issues. The control structures are designed and the developed algorithms are implemented. The operation of the system is verified experimentally. / Die weiterhin steigende Nachfrage nach elektrischer Energie und die zunehmende Verwendung erneuerbarer Energiequellen in der heutigen Welt sind zwei wichtige Entwicklungen, die die Notwendigkeit innovativer Lösungen im Bereich der Leistungselektronik erfordern. Der Parallelbetrieb von Stromrichtern ist eine mögliche Methode, um einen erhöhten Strombedarf zu decken. Der klassische Zweipunkt-Spanungszwischenkreisstromrichter, der bei Niederspannungsanwendungen weit verbreitet ist, wird aufgrund der Spannungsgrenzen für Leistungshalbleiterbauelemente zunehmend weniger in Mittel- und Hochspannungsanwendungen eingesetzt. Die begrenzte Spannungsbelastbarkeit der Leistungshalbleiterbauelemente ist ein Grund für die wachsende Beliebtheit von Mehrpunkt-Stromrichtertopologien in Mittelund Hochspannungsanwendungen. Obwohl eine Erhöhung der Anzahl der Spannungsstufen eines Mehrpunkt-Stromrichters Vorteile hat, gibt es auch Herausforderungen und Nachteile aufgrund der erhöhten Anzahl von Leistungshalbleitern. Dies hat dazu geführt, dass der Dreipunkt-Stromrichter die verbreiteste Topologie im Vergleich zu anderen Stromrichtern mit einer höheren Anzahl von Spannungsstufen ist. In dieser Dissertation wird der Betrieb von parallel geschalteten Dreipunkt-Stromrichtereinheiten als ein Mehrpunkt-Stromrichter mit erhöhter Anzahl an Spannungsstufen vorgeschlagen. Die mathematische Basis für den Betrieb von parallel geschalteten Stromrichtereinheiten als ein Mehrpunkt-Stromrichter und die beschreibenden Gleichungen eines solchen Systems werden abgeleitet. Die Analyse und das Verständnis dieser Gleichungen sind wichtig für die Beurteilung der Praktikabilität des Systems und die Erarbeitung geeigneter Regelstrukturen. Der parallele Betrieb von Stromrichtereinheiten hat seine eigenen Herausforderungen, wobei die beiden wichtigsten die Lastverteilung und die Möglichkeit von Kreis- und Querströmen sind. Die Entwicklung von Lösungen zur Bewältigung dieser Herausforderungen erfordert ein gründliches Verständnis dafür, wie sich diese Phänomene in dem vorgeschlagenen System manifestieren. Algorithmen zur Lösung dieser Probleme werden anschlieend entwickelt. Die Regelstrukturen werden entworfen und die entworfenen Algorithmen implementiert. Die Funktionsweise des Systems wird experimentell überprüft.

Controlling the dynamic outputs of electrical machines has always been an essential topic in aerospace, automotive and other industries. Electrical machine control consists of several components, each of which can be controlled in various ways. Whereas the dynamic responses are mostly simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK, Prof. Marko Hinkkanen from Aalto University has launched a project for the development of an open-source simulator called ’Motulator’, based on Python. In this thesis, we focus on developing modulation methods and related functions for the inverter in ’Motulator’ based on an existing model of a Permanent Magnet Electrical Machine (PMSM). First, the two-level and three-level inverters with the Space Vector Modulation (SVPWM) method are developed. The dynamic output performance improves significantly compared to Sinusoidal Pulse-Width Modulation (SPWM). In addition, operation under the over-modulation mode for both inverters is implemented to improve the DC-bus voltage utilisation further, allowing higher torques and speeds. The problem of neutral point voltage imbalance is solved for the three-level inverter, ensuring the difference voltage between upper and lower capacitors to fluctuate around 0. Finally, a harmonic analysis tool based on the non-uniform Fourier transform is established. / Styrning och reglering av elektriska maskiners dynamik har alltid varit ett viktigt ämne inom flyg- och bilindustrin men även för andra tillämpningar. Regleringen av elektriska maskiner består av flera delar som var och en kan styras på olika sätt. De dynamiska förhållandena simuleras vanligen i MATLAB/SIMULINK. För att inte vara beroende av kommersiell programvara har Professor Marko Hinkkanen från Aalto universitetet lanserat en simulator med öppen källkod, baserad på Python, kallad ’Motulator’. Examensarbetet fokuserar vi på att utveckla moduleringsmetoder och relaterade funktioner för växelriktaren i ’Motulator’, baserat på en befintlig modell av en permanentmagnetiserad synkronmaskin (PMSM). Först utvecklas två- och trenivåomriktare med ”Space Vector Modulation” (SVPWM). Drivsystemets dynamisk prestanda förbättras därvid avsevärt i jämförelse med Sinus-pulsbreddsstryning (Sinusoidal-PWM). Övermodulering har implementerats för båda växelriktarna i avseende att ytterligare förbättra DC-bussens spänningsutnyttjande, vilket möjliggör högre vridmoment och varvtal. Problemet med nollpunktsspänningens obalans är löst för trenivåomriktaren, vilket säkerställer att skillnadsspänningen mellan de övre och nedre kondensatorerna fluktuerar runt 0. Slutligen har ett verktyg utvecklats i syfte att analysera övertoner, baserat på en olikformig Fouriertransform.

Cette thèse vise à élaborer de nouvelles stratégies de commande basées sur la commande prédictive pour le système de génération d’énergie éolienne. La topologie des systèmes de production éolienne basées sur le Générateur Asynchrone à Double Alimentation (GADA) qui convient à des plateformes de génération dans la gamme de puissance de 1.5 à 6 MW est abordée. Du point de vue technologique, le convertisseur à trois niveaux et clampé par le neutre (3L-NPC) est considéré comme une bonne solution pour une puissance élevée en raison de ses avantages: capacité à réduire la distorsion harmonique de la tension de sortie et du courant, et augmentation de la capacité du convertisseur grâce à une tension réduite appliquée à chaque semi-conducteur de puissance. Une description détaillée de la commande prédictive à ensemble de commande fini (FCS-MPC) avec un horizon de prédiction de deux pas est présentée pour deux boucles de régulation: celle liée au convertisseur connecté au réseau et celle du convertisseur connecté au GADA. Le principe de la commande repose sur l’utilisation d’un modèle de prédiction permettant de prédire le comportement du système pour chaque état de commutation du convertisseur. La minimisation d’une fonction de coût appropriée prédéfinie permet d’obtenir la commutation optimale à appliquer au convertisseur. La thèse étudie premièrement les problèmes liées à la compensation du temps de calcul de la commande et au choix et aux pondérations de la fonction de coût. Ensuite, le problème de stabilité de la commande FCS-MPC est abordé en considérant une fonction de Lyapunov dans la minimisation de la fonction de coût. Finalement, une étude sur la compensation des effets des temps morts du convertisseur est présentée. / This thesis aims to elaborate new control strategies based on Model Predictive control for wind energy generation system. We addressed the topology of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind generation systems which is suitable for generation platform power in the range in 1.5-6 MW. Furthermore, from the technological point of view, the three-level neutral-point clamped (3L-NPC) inverter configuration is considered a good solution for high power due to its advantages: capability to reduce the harmonic distortion of the output voltage and current, and increase the capacity of the converter thanks to a decreased voltage applied to each power semiconductor.In this thesis, we presented a detailed description of finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) with two step horizon for two control schemes: grid and DFIG connected 3L-NPC inverter. The principle of the proposed control scheme is to use system model to predict the behaviour of the system for every switching states of the inverter. Then, the optimal switching state that minimizes an appropriate predefined cost function is selected and applied directly to the inverter.The study of issues such as delay compensation, computational burden and selection of weighting factor are also addressed in this thesis. In addition, the stability problem of FCS-MPC is solved by considering the control Lyapunov function in the design procedure. The latter study is focused on the compensation of dead-time effect of power converter.

The falling cost of batteries, along with an increasing need to cut emissions, has spurred significant interest in the electrification of vehicles. In addition, as semiconductor devices have evolved, the research for electric vehicles with higher battery voltage has increased. The traction inverter is an important part of the electric power train and can account for a substantial portion of the drive train’s losses. This thesis therefore models, simulates, and studies the losses for a convectional Two-Level (2L) inverter and a Three-Level T-Type (3LT) inverter utilizing Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs and compares the two inverter topologies in terms of efficiency. The rated power of the inverters is 120 kW at a DC voltage of 800 V. The theoretical basis of SiC MOSFET and its reverse conduction, operation of 2L and 3LT inverter topologies, and Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) technique are introduced in the initial part of the thesis. To estimate switching and conduction losses, Simulink is used to model and simulate an electric drive system. These estimated losses are then utilized to develop efficiency maps for both topologies over the complete speed-torque range. Based on the efficiency comparison, the 3LT topology outperforms the 2L topology for any requested torque in the medium to the high-speed range, which is typical of highway driving. In the low-speed, high-torque region, which is typical of city driving, the 2L topology is superior. The efficiency of each topology is affected by switching frequency, device junction temperature, and DC-link voltage. However, the comparison reveals that the maximum average difference in efficiency is 0.35%, with the 3LT topology being superior. Finally, the efficiency differences between the two inverter topologies are minimal. As a result, it may be concluded that the two topologies perform similarly. Thus, it can be inferred that comparing the efficiency of the two topologies should not be the sole criterion for selecting which topology should be used for the electric drive. / Den sjunkande kostnaden för batterier, tillsammans med ett ökande behov av att minska utsläppen, har lett till ett stort intresse för elektrifiering av fordon. Dessutom, har utvecklingen av halvledare lett till en ökning inom forskningen av elfordon med högre batterispänning. Traktionsomriktaren är en viktig del av den elektriska drivlinan och kan stå för en stor del av de totala förlusterna i drivlinan. I denna rapport modelleras, simuleras och studeras därför förlusterna i en konventionell omriktare med två nivåer (2L) och en T-typ omriktare med tre nivåer (3LT). Båda topologierna använder kiselkarbid (SiC) MOSFETs i jämförelsen av resultaten med avseende på verkningsgrad. Inverterarnas nominella effekt är 120 kW vid en likspänning på 800 V. Den teoretiska grunden för SiC MOSFET och hur de fungerar, hur 2L- och 3LT-inverterstopologierna fungerar samt tekniken för Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) presenteras i rapporten. För att uppskatta switch- och ledningsförluster används Simulink för att modellera och simulera det elektriska drivsystemet. De uppskattade förlusterna används sedan för att utveckla verkningsgradskartor för de båda topologierna över hela det operativa området. Baserat på verkningsgradsjämförelsen mellan topologierna så presterar 3LT-topologin bättre än 2L-topologin i driftspunkter i medelhöga till höga hastigheter, vilket är typiskt för motorvägskörning. Vid låga hastigheter med högt vridmoment, vilket är typiskt för stadskörning, är 2L-topologin bättre. Verkningsgraden för de båda topologierna påverkas av switchfrekvensen, halvledarens temperatur samt DC-länkspänning. Jämförelsen visar dock att den största genomsnittliga skillnaden i verkningsgrad mellan de två topologierna är 0,35%, där 3LT-topologin är bättre. Sammanfattningsvis så är skillnaderna i verkningsgrad mellan de två topologierna minimala, vilket innebär att de båda topologierna har liknande prestanda med avseende på verkningsgrad. Man bör därför inte bara ha verkningsgrad som det enda kriteriet vid val av topologi för elektriska drivlinor.

Three-level diode-clamped inverter is being widely used these days. Extensive research has been carried out on pulse width modulation (PWM) strategies for a three-level inverter. The most widely used PWM strategies are sine-triangle pulse width modulation (SPWM) and centered space vector pulse width modulation (CSVPWM). The influence of these PWM strategies on the DC-link capacitor current and voltage ripple is studied in this thesis. The sizing of the DC capacitor depends on value of the maximum RMS current flowing through it. In this work, an analytical expression for capacitor RMS current is derived as a function of operating conditions like modulation index, power factor angle of the load and peak load current. The worst case current stress on the capacitor is evaluated using the analytical expression. The capacitor RMS current is found to be the same in SPWM and CSVPWM schemes. The analytical expression is validated through simulations and experiments on a 3kVA MOSFET based three-level inverter. Harmonic analysis of the capacitor current is helpful in better evaluation of capacitor power loss. Therefore, harmonic analysis of the capacitor current is carried out, using the techniques of geometric wall model and double Fourier integral for SPWM and CSVPWM schemes. The theoretical predictions are validated through experiments. The capacitor RMS current is divided into low-frequency RMS current (where low frequency component is defined as a component whose frequency is less than half the switching frequency) and high-frequency RMS current. The capacitor voltage ripple is estimated analytically for SPWM and CSVPWM schemes, using the low-frequency and high-frequency capacitor RMS current. The voltage ripples due to SPWM and CSVPWM schemes are compared. It is found that the voltage ripple with SPWM is higher than that with CSVPWM. A simplified method to estimate the capacitor power loss, without the requirement of FFT analysis of capacitor current, is proposed. The results from this simplified method agree reasonably well with the results from the detailed method. A space vector based modulation scheme is proposed, which reduces the capacitor RMS current at high power factor angles. However, the proposed method leads to higher total harmonic distortion (THD) than CSVPWM. Simulation and experimental results, comparing CSVPWM and the proposed PWM, are presented.