In this paper

a new type of model predictive power control is proposed in accordance with characteristics of three-level neutral-point-clamped（NPC）inverter so to improve speed and accuracy of current tracking. The model for the NPC three-level inverter is firstly built. In the two-phase static coordinate system

the model for predicting power at the fixed coordinate system of two-phase is set up and

on the basis of which

the optimized model predictive direct power control is proposed. In this method

the voltage vector is used as basic control vector

and the power control is achieved by the value function of minimum voltage vector error. As for the delay issue existed in the actual system

the control method for the time delay compensation is designed. For solving the problem of neutral-point potential（NP）imbalance of the inverter further

the neutral point level balance control is achieved by the selection of small vector in accordance with the difference of the upper and lower capacitive voltage. It is verified by the experimental result that the proposed new type of model predictive power control strategy can achieve both fast tracking of grid current and the neutral point balance control.