3-D Space Vector Modulation Algorithm for Multilevel Inverters in Abc Coordinates for Solar PV Applications

Solar PV based Power generation is gaining importance in the present scenario of energy crisis. Precise control of Solar PV inverter is a very important factor deciding the efficiency and performance of Solar PV sources. Space Vector Modulation (SVM) technique is widely used for pulse width modulation in inverters, especially for power supplies for obtaining improved sine wave output. It is based on the representation of the three phase quantities as vectors in a two-dimensional using α and β co-ordinates. Here, a new three–dimensional (3-D) space vector algorithm in a-b-c co-ordinates for multilevel inverters is presented, which is based on the 3-Dimensional geometry of the vectors. This method calculates the on-state duration of switching vector without involving trigonometric functions, look-up tables or coordinate system transformation. Hence the computational complexity is very less compared to other algorithms. The proposed scheme is explained for a multilevel inverter and simulation results are presented with comparison of performance of a two level inverter and a three level inverter using this technique. The results shows that the algorithm can be applied for higher level inverter so that it operates at reduced Total Harmonic distortion.