Open-Circuit Fault Diagnosis of Clamping Diodes in Three-Level NPC Inverters Based on Phase Current Asymmetry Index
Abstract
Three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverters are widely used in medium- and high-power drives and grid-connected applications due to their reduced device voltage stress, improved output power quality, and lower switching losses relative to conventional two-level topologies. Among the potential failure modes, clamping diode open-circuit faults are difficult to detect because the clamping diodes conduct only during the zero-voltage states, and their failure produces only subtle distortions in the phase current waveform. This paper proposes a fault diagnosis method for clamping diode open-circuit faults in three-level NPC inverters. The method is based on a current asymmetry index defined as the ratio of the per-cycle mean phase current to the per-cycle mean absolute phase current. During healthy operation, this index is approximately zero in all phases. A fault causes the index to deviate markedly from zero, while the polarity of this deviation identifies the failed diode. The method requires only phase-current measurements already available in the inverter control system. Consequently, no additional sensors, hardware modifications, or changes to inverter operation are required. Simulation results obtained for a 10 kW three-level NPC inverter demonstrate successful fault detection within approximately one to two fundamental cycles for open-circuit failures of both the upper and lower clamping diodes in all three phases.