A DSP-based implementation of a nonlinear model reference adaptive control for a three-phase three-level NPC boost rectifier prototype

In this paper, the design and the implementation of a model reference adaptive control (MRAC) applied to a three-phase three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) boost rectifier are presented. This control strategy is developed with a view to regulate dc output and neutral point voltages and to reduce the influence of parameter variations while maintaining unity power factor. A nonlinear multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) state space model of the rectifier is then developed in dq0 reference frame. The proposed controller is based on the use of a feedback linearization technique followed by a robust MRAC scheme allowing the design of a suitable controller applied to the plant. The control law is designed in Simulink/Matlab and applied to the converter via a 1920-Hz pulse width modulator both executed in real time using the DS1104 DSP of dSPACE. A 1.25 kW laboratory prototype is developed for validation. The experimental results are given for different operating conditions: nominal power operation, balanced and unbalanced de load steps, boost inductor variation, and reactive power control. The proposed control law performs perfectly in a wide operation range giving low output voltage ripple, low line-current THD, a small overshoot and a fast settling time under system parameters variation.