Research on a hybrid modulation strategy for a 4-SiC cascode hybrid three-level ANPC inverter

This paper presents a novel 4-SiC Cascode hybrid three-level ANPC inverter topology and its corresponding hybrid modulation strategy, aimed at achieving active balancing of power device losses and optimizing system efficiency. To address the problem of uneven loss distribution caused by concentrated loads on certain switching devices, a hybrid three-level ANPC inverter topology using four SiC devices is proposed, along with a matching hybrid modulation strategy to optimize system performance. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a comprehensive simulation and experimental research platform was established. Loss analysis conducted in the PLECS simulation environment indicates that, compared with conventional inner-leg, outer-leg, and traditional strategies, the proposed hybrid modulation strategy significantly reduces the loss differences among key switching devices, achieving the most balanced loss distribution. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed solution was further validated through experimental platform testing, and the experimental results further confirm the superior performance of the proposed solution in loss balancing, fully validating the accuracy of the simulation results.