Zero-voltage and frequency pattern selection for DC-link loss minimization in PWM-VSI drives

The modulation of a voltage source inverter output causes losses and harmonic distortions on the load side and the DC-link capacitor due to the discrete switching of the semiconductors. High-frequent voltage pulses are digitally programmed to control the inverter output and determine the harmonic distortions. This paper presents an optimization in terms of pulse- and frequency-pattern selection for reducing load distortions while keeping DC-link losses minimal. In detail, the fact that pulse and frequency patterns are independent from each other is utilized and a modified three-zone hybrid space vector pulse-width modulation is proposed where optimal frequency patterns are selected for every carrier cycle. Simulations and experimental results validate the optimizations.