Modified Modulation Strategy of 1: 1: 2 Asymmetric Nine-Level Inverter and Its Power Balance Method

Abstract

The three unit nine-level inverter can output more voltage levels with fewer h-bridge units, while having better output waveform quality. However, in the conventional hybrid frequency modulation strategy, only one low-voltage unit adopts pulse width modulation (PWM), which causes the problem of switching loss and uneven heat distribution between the two low-voltage units. At the same time, the output power of the conventional modulation strategy is unbalanced. Aiming to resolve the above problems, a modified hybrid modulation strategy and a power balance control method under the strategy is proposed in this paper. The modulation strategy achieves output power balance between the three units and an even distribution of switching losses between the two low voltage units while maintaining the same output power quality. Simulation and experimental results verify the feasibility of the modulation strategy.