An Induction‐Motor Control Method for Minimization of Capacitor‐Voltage Fluctuations in a Modular Multilevel DSCC Inverter: Its Applications to a Quadratic‐Torque Load

Abstract

Summary This paper aims at minimizing capacitor‐voltage fluctuations inherent in a modular multilevel cascade inverter based on double‐star chopper cell (DSCC) or a modular multilevel DSCC inverter. The inverter can drive an induction motor loaded with a quadratic‐torque load. Both theoretical analysis and numerical calculation reveal that the voltage fluctuations can be minimized when the ratio of a magnetizing‐current component with respect to a torque‐current component in the motor current is set to unity, regardless of the motor mechanical speed. A three‐phase DSCC inverter is designed and constructed to drive a 380‐V, 15‐kW, 50‐Hz, four‐pole, induction motor loaded with a quadratic torque that is proportional to a square of the motor mechanical speed. Experimental results confirm the validity of the theoretical and numerical calculations.