Space Vector Sequence Investigation and Synchronization Methods for Active Front-End Rectifiers in High-Power Current-Source Drives

Space vector pulsewidth modulation (PWM) schemes for the active front end of a high-power drive normally produce low-order and suborder harmonics due to the low switching frequency and the drifting of synchronization between the PWM waveform and the rectifier input frequency. To provide a synchronized PWM and achieve the best harmonic performance, different space vector sequences suitable for a current-source converter are investigated in this paper. Details on how to achieve the waveform symmetries with a minimum switching frequency for each sequence are discussed. A thorough comparison of the harmonic performance of different space vector sequences is carried out. An optimum space vector modulation method by switching between two best sequences is proposed to achieve the best line-current total harmonic distortion with reduced switching losses. In addition, two synchronization methods, namely a PWM frame regulation method and a direct digital phase-locked loop synchronization method, are proposed. Both methods are equally effective in providing tight synchronization of the PWM waveform with the rectifier input frequency. The work has been verified in simulation and experiment.