Heuristic model predictive modulation in high power multi-level converters

Phase shifted carrier modulation is an industry standard in its application to multi-level H-bridge Converters. The major advantage of this scheme over level shifted and space vector modulation schemes is its inherent ability to evenly distribute losses between semiconductor devices. However, it has been demonstrated in literature that level shifted and space vector schemes have superior harmonic performance. This paper develops a model predictive modulation scheme which achieves the harmonic performance of level shifted modulation with the equal loss distribution achieved by phase shifted modulation. The proposed modulation is orders of magnitude more computationally efficient than existing model predictive modulation schemes. Simulation and experimental results are presented that confirm the correct operation of the modulation strategy.