Review, Classification and Loss Comparison of Modular Multilevel Converter Submodules for HVDC Applications

Yumeng Tian, Harith R. Wickramasinghe, Zixin Li, Josep Pou and Georgios Konstantinou
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Yumeng Tian: School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
Harith R. Wickramasinghe: School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
Zixin Li: Key Laboratory of Power Electronics and Electric Drive, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Josep Pou: School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
Georgios Konstantinou: School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 6, 1-32

Abstract: The circuit topology of a submodule (SM) in an modular multilevel converter (MMC) defines many of the functionalities of the complete power electronics conversion system and the specific applications that a specific MMC configuration can support. Most prominent among all applications for the MMC is its use in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems and multiterminal dc grids. The aim of the paper is to provide a comprehensive review and classification of the many different SM circuit topologies that have been proposed for the MMC up to date. Using an 800-MVA, point-to-point MMC-based HVDC transmission system as a benchmark, the presented analysis identifies the limitations and drawbacks of certain SM configurations that limit their broader adoption as MMC SMs. A hybrid model of an MMC arm and appropriate implementations of voltage-balancing algorithms are used for detailed loss comparison of all SMs and to quantify differences among multiple SMs. The review also provides a comprehensive benchmark among all SM configurations, broad recommendations for the benefits and limitations of different SM topologies which can be further expanded based on the requirements of a specific application, and identifies future opportunities.

Keywords: high-voltage direct current (HVDC); modular multilevel converter; multilevel converters; submodules/cells (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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