Optimised switching pattern for space-vector modulated Z-source NPC inverter

The Z-source inverter is a relatively recent power converter topology that has been demonstrated in the literature to exhibit voltage-buck and voltage-boost capability. The Z-source concept can be applied to two-level and multi-level inverters. However, multi-level inverters offer many benefits for higher power applications compared to two-level inverters. Thew speaker presents the optimal switching pattern for the control of a Z-source neutral point clamped inverter using the space vector modulation technique. This gives a number of benefits, in terms of implementation and harmonic performance. The adopted approach enables the operation of the Z-source arrangement to be optimised and implemented digitally without introducing any extra commutations. Simulation results are presented to verify the concepts.