A Phase-Disposition PWM-Enabled Model Predictive Control for a Nine-Level Inner-Interleaved Hybrid Multilevel Converter

This article brings forward a phase-disposition pulsewidth modulation-enabled model predictive control (PDPWM-MPC) for a nine-level inner-interleaved hybrid multilevel converter (9L-IHMC). First, three layers of virtual space vector diagrams (VSVDs) are established based on the sign patterns of the original and virtual reference vectors in the abc-frame to achieve the phase-disposition pulsewidth modulation (PD-PWM) in a nonindependent three-phase way. Then, three adjacent virtual vectors in the third-layer VSVD, together with their optimized duty cycles, are applied to guarantee the optimal current tracking. Finally, through the use of the duty-cycle alternation approach, dc-link and floating capacitors voltages are balanced and circulating currents are mitigated as well. The proposed PDPWM-MPC can not only enable the decoupling of the low- and high-frequency stages in the 9L-IHMC but also reduce both output current ripples and computational burden. In addition, it can achieve a constant equivalent switching frequency and address the disproportion of power losses associated with the PD-PWM. Both simulations and experiments on a silicon carbide device-based prototype substantiate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.