AAU Energy
Course in Three-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped Converters
PhD course
Pontoppindanstræde 101, room 1.015, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
25.09.2025 08:30 - 26.09.2025 16:30
: 04.09.2025
Free for PhD student in Denmark*
English
Hybrid
PhD course
Pontoppindanstræde 101, room 1.015, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
25.09.2025 08:30 - 26.09.2025 16:30
: 04.09.2025
English - 6000
Hybrid
AAU Energy
Course in Three-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped Converters
PhD course
Pontoppindanstræde 101, room 1.015, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
25.09.2025 08:30 - 26.09.2025 16:30
: 04.09.2025Free for PhD student in Denmark*
English
Hybrid
PhD course
Pontoppindanstræde 101, room 1.015, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
25.09.2025 08:30 - 26.09.2025 16:30
: 04.09.2025
English - 6000
Hybrid
Course schedule
- LL1 - Three-level NPC converter topology and operating principles
- LL2 - Advantages, challenges, and applications of 3L-NPC converters
- LL3 - Carrier based modulation methods for 3L- NPC converters
- LL4 - Model predictive control methods for 3L- NPC converters
- Exercise 1 (MPC control for NPC converter)
- LL5 – Reliability of three-level NPC converters
- Exercise 2 (Impact of control on reliability)
- LL6 - Practical aspects and design considerations – industrial case study
- Lab demo
- Wrap up & Continue exercise
The three-level neutral-point-clamped (3L-NPC) converters have been widely applied in several applications including motor drives and grid integration such as wind and solar energy systems. Key performance metrics of the 3L-NPC converters like power quality, efficiency, power density and reliability are strongly affected by the used control methods. Therefore, different control methods have been proposed for the 3L-NPC topology to address certain aspects.
This course aims to address basic concepts and control design challenges of NPC converter applications. It will start with basic operating principles of the topology and their control challenges such as neutral point voltage balancing and thermal stress distribution. Then, two different control approaches will be presented: 1) carrier-based PWM techniques and 2) model predictive control techniques. For each control technique, basic concept and step-by-step implementation guideline will be provided, followed by more application-oriented examples and implementation challenges.
An approach to analyze the reliability of power electronics converters will also be introduced, which includes thermal stress modeling, lifetime prediction, and reliability evaluation (Monte Carlo simulation). It will be demonstrated that control algorithm selection has a major impact on the reliability of semiconductor devices and DC-link capacitors in NPC converters. In the last part of the course the focus will be set on practical application cases of NPC converters in the industry.
The course is intended both for academia researchers and industry, who do not have previous knowledge about the NPC topology (basic operating principles will be explained), and for those who are familiar with the topology and would like to learn more about ongoing research directions and novel control solutions.
Important information concerning PhD courses
The Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start.
For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact AAU Energy's administration at hr@energy.aau.dk