Full-Speed Range Control Method of 390 kW Induction Motors in Railway System Using a HANPC Inverter

This paper proposes a full-speed range control method for an induction motor (IM) in railway systems using a hybrid-active neutral point clamped (HANPC) inverter. In railway systems, the demand for improving the efficiency of power semiconductors increases. Therefore, this paper proposes an IM control method for the railway system that utilizes an HANPC inverter to minimize switching losses and current harmonics. Additionally, this paper analyzes the control methods for different driving regions based on the motor’s speed, including neutral point voltage balancing compensation, indirect vector control, and field weakening control. Additionally, this paper utilizes synchronous pulse width modulation (PWM) methods to improve the railway system’s control performance. The proposed method’s validity and feasibility are verified through the experimental results using a high-power inverter driving a 390 kW IM.