Performance analysis of space-vector modulated two- and three-level inverters

Space vector modulation (SVM) was developed as a vector approach to pulse width modulation (PWM) for controlling three-phase inverters. It has become very popular due to its simplicity and good operating characteristics. In parallel, multilevel inverter topologies have emerged to overcome the voltage limit capability of power switches. This paper focuses on comparing performances of the two commonly employed inverter topologies (two-level and three-level neutral-point-clamped inverters) when SVM is used. The results show significant reduction of the unwanted harmonics in the output voltages in the case of the three-phase three-level inverter.