Comparisons of operational performance between T-NPC, NPC and A-NPC multillevel converters

Abstract

The article is dealing withi the issue related to the multilevel inverter (MLI) specifically with the topic related to the analysis of the efficiency of selected 3-phase topologies. The efficiency performance of any power semiconductor system is currently main qualitative indicator due to several reasons. Because each application requires different specification on the circuit complexity, in this paper focus is given on the analysis of possible circuit variations of neutral-point clamped (NPC) converters, i.e. NPC, A-NPC and T-NPC configurations. The circuits design of each topology is reflecting specifications of target application, while in this case the area of power inverter for renewable energy source with nominal power of 10 kW is under consideration. Individual topologies have been evaluated in the way of evaluation of power dissipation within main components of power circuit, i.e. power semiconductor devices, filters and dumping network. At the end of the paper, mutual comparison is provided together with brief evaluation of cons and pros of each topology.