Bottom up research and development for a low-voltage three level NPC converter

The objective of this project is the development of a new high efficient and reliable converter concept for wind turbine application, a three phase 1 MW wind turbine converter. One requirement is a highest low voltage level to reduce current and thus cable dimensions and losses. Other requirements are increasing the power density, higher modularity, lower costs and higher reliability and efficiency. This research project includes the development of specific dies, power modules, power semiconductor drivers and driver methods as well as the adaption of a power stack. This research work is done with many cooperating partners. The different research fields and actual results are outlined. The converter is being build up and tested in a proper test bench.