The main aim of this work is to present a step-by-step procedure to model and analyze the power loss distribution of three-level Gallium Nitride (GaN) inverters. It has been applied to three distinct three-phase three-level voltage source inverters utilized in electric traction drives: Active Neutral Point Clamped, Neutral Point Clamped and T-Type Neutral Point Clamped. The proposed analytical power loss modelling, combined with an equivalent representation of the electrical machine proved to be a viable solution to achieve a time-saving and low computational burden simulation platform, leading to satisfying accurate results. This has been confirmed by comparing the results carried out from the simulations of a 110 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor drive and those determined by considering a simplified circuital representation based on the proposed analytical power loss modelling.

This paper presents the design and the experimental characterization of an 800 V 11 kVA three-level three-phase active neutral point clamped inverter, utilizing 650 V gallium nitride enhancement-mode high-electron-mobility transistors. The proposed scaled-down prototype design has been developed for electric traction systems. The modular approach of the presented power converter design is discussed in detail, and the different parts composing the power conversion unit are presented. Moreover, critical issues related to the design of power converters employing gallium nitride technology are highlighted for both power and gate driving sections. In addition, PCB’s thermal analysis and parasitic extraction are discussed, and for the latter the results of the conducted finite element analysis are reported. Experimental characterization of the designed prototype is performed on a 7.5 kW induction motor drive. Experimental results are reported, and the power conversion unit’s performances are evaluated in terms of efficiency at different operating conditions of the electric drive.

The main aim of this work is to present a step-by-step procedure to model and analyze the power loss distribution of three-level Gallium Nitride (GaN) inverters. It has been applied to three distinct three-phase three-levels voltage source inverters utilized in electric traction drives: Active Neutral Point Clamped, Neutral Point Clamped and T-Type Neutral Point Clamped. The proposed analytical power loss modelling, combined to an equivalent representation of the electrical machine demonstrated to be a viable solution to achieve a time-saving and low computational burden simulation platform, leading to satisfying accuracy results. This has been confirmed by comparing the results carried out from the simulations of a 110kW permanent magnet synchronous motor drive and those determined by considering a simplified circuital representation based on the proposed analytical power loss modelling.