A four-level modular multilevel converter with self voltage balancing and extremely small DC capacitor

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The modular feature of modular multilevel converter (MMC) makes it stand out for medium/high voltage applications. However, as the number of sub-modules increases, the control complexity of voltage balance of each sub-module sharply increases. Conventionally, the MMC sub-module voltage cannot be balanced without voltage monitoring and control. This paper mathematically proofs that four-level MMC has the merit of self voltage balancing by nature. This merit eliminates the voltage monitoring and control for MMC. The four-level MMC simulations are provided for verification purpose. In addition, since the sub-module capacitor voltage tends to converge to nominal value, the low frequency voltage ripple is greatly reduced, which allows the sub-module capacitance to be extremely small. The proposed four-level MMC is 1/8 -1/6 the capacitance compared to conventional MMCs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication34th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages2865-2871
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781538683309
DOIs
StatePublished - May 24 2019
Event34th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2019 - Anaheim, United States
Duration: Mar 17 2019Mar 21 2019

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings - IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition - APEC
Volume2019-March

Conference

Conference34th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnaheim
Period3/17/193/21/19

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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