A comparative study on control algorithm for active front-end rectifier of large motor drives under unbalanced input

This paper investigates unbalance compensating control algorithms for the active front-end rectifier employed in high-power motor drive systems. The generic voltage-source-converter topology of the three-level neutral-point clamped rectifier is selected for the comparative study. Three different control algorithms have been formulated based on the symmetrical components and dq synchronous frames under generalized unbalanced operating conditions. Control algorithms have been investigated with respect to major design factors in large drive systems: fault ride-through capability, harmonic distortions, and efficiency. The control algorithm having zero amplitude of negative-sequence input current shows the most optimized and cost-effective performance regarding the fault ride-through capability and efficiency aspects. The control algorithm nullifying the oscillating components of the instantaneous active power generates the least harmonic distortions. A combination of these two control algorithms depending on system requirements and operating modes provides improved performance factors of fault ride-through capability, low harmonic distortions, and efficiency under generalized unbalanced operating conditions.