Generation system for series hybrid powertrain based on the dual two-level inverter

A multilevel converter in the `dual two-level´ configuration is proposed as the core of a hybrid series powertrain. The generation system of the powertrain is constituted by an internal combustion engine (ICE) connected to a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). This machine is in the three phase open end winding configuration and is driven by the dual two-level inverter. The two dc-links of the multilevel converter supply two motor drives connected to the wheels. The control algorithm of the generation system is combined with a proper modulation strategy of the dual two-level converter allowing to share the generated power between the two output drives at each switching period. The power sharing capability of the generation system satisfies the different power demand from the two output drives. This architecture can be applied to road vehicles (i.e. buses, urban light truck) where the two wheels are driven by the two motor drives. This powertrain configuration could be easily integrated with a battery energy storage system for pure electric operation of the system.