A Multi-Level Inverter for Ultra High Speed PM Motor Control Application

The general concepts of multi-level technology involve utilizing a higher number of semiconductor devices to achieve higher power conversion, eliminate harmonics and reduce the switching loss. This paper is concerned with applying multi-level techniques to a PM motor to achieve ultra high speed features with better quality waveforms and less dv/dt for an aerospace application. A three-level diode clamped inverter is used to control a low inductance, ultra high speed PM motor with an integrated designed load compressor. Results from a 15kW experimental prototype are presented to validate the reliability of the inverter, the stability of the DC-link voltage balance and the practicality of vector control in this application.