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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1985 |
| Journal | Energies |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 1 2022 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
- Fuel Technology
- Engineering (miscellaneous)
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Energy (miscellaneous)
- Control and Optimization
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Keywords
- High-voltage direct current (HVDC)
- Modular multilevel converter
- Multilevel converters
- Submodules/cells
