Three-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped Converters: State-of-the-art and Recent Advances in Control Solutions and Reliability (2024)

Organizer: Assistant Professor Ariya Sangwongwanich – Aalborg University, ars@energy.aau.dk

Lecturers: Professor Ariya Sangwongwanich – Aalborg University,  Postdoc Mateja Novak – Aalborg University, Radu Dan Lazar – Danfoss Drives

ECTS: 2

Date/Time: 23/09/2024 – 24/09/2024

Deadline: 2 September 2024

Place: AAU Energy, Pontoppidanstraede, Aalborg, Denmark

Max no. of participants: 20

Description: The three-level neutral-point-clamped (3L-NPC) converters have been widely applied in several applications including motor drives and grid integration such as wind and solar energy systems. Key performance metrics of the 3L-NPC converters like power quality, efficiency, power density and reliability are strongly affected by the used control methods. Therefore, different control methods have been proposed for the 3L-NPC topology to address certain aspects.

This course aims to address basic concepts and control design challenges of NPC converter applications. It will start with basic operating principles of the topology and their control challenges such as neutral point voltage balancing and thermal stress distribution. Then, two different control approaches will be presented: 1) carrier-based PWM techniques and 2) model predictive control techniques. For each control technique, basic concept and step-by-step implementation guideline will be provided, followed by more application-oriented examples and implementation challenges.

An approach to analyze the reliability of power electronics converters will also be introduced, which includes thermal stress modeling, lifetime prediction, and reliability evaluation (Monte Carlo simulation). It will be demonstrated that control algorithm selection has a major impact on the reliability of semiconductor devices and DC-link capacitors in NPC converters. In the last part of the course the focus will be set on practical application cases of NPC converters in the industry.

The course is intended both for academia researchers and industry, who do not have previous knowledge about the NPC topology (basic operating principles will be explained), and for those who are familiar with the topology and would like to learn more about ongoing research directions and novel control solutions.

Prerequisites:

• Fundamentals of power electronics
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink is recommended for the exercises

Price:  6000 DKK for PhD students outside of Denmark and 8000 DKK for the Industry excl. VAT.
A link for online payment by credit card for externals participants will be annonced after deadline for registration

Find more information about the course at phdcourse.dk (more details and course litterature)

Important information concerning PhD courses: We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.