A low switching frequency voltage balancing strategy of modular multilevel converter

R. Z. Chai, B. H. Zhang, Z. G. Hao, T. Zheng, S. Y. Ma, D. Z. Chen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The application of modular multilevel converter (MMC) to High Voltage Direct Current projects has to consider voltage balancing of the multiple floating capacitors. The common voltage balancing strategy, which based on the nearest level modulation (NLM) method, benefits from satisfied voltage balancing, but draws back the performance by its high switching frequency and high switching losses. This paper proposes a novel low switching frequency (NLSF) strategy to reduce the switching frequency by using the switching state of submodules (SMs) on the basis of good voltage balancing. A detailed 21-level back to back MMC-HVDC model has been built in PSCAD/EMTDC for demonstration. The simulation results show acceptable voltage balancing with dramatic reduction of the switching frequency by 61% in contrast to the common voltage balancing strategy.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2013 IEEE International Conference of IEEE Region 10, IEEE TENCON 2013 - Conference Proceedings
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event2013 IEEE International Conference of IEEE Region 10, IEEE TENCON 2013 - Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
Duration: Oct 22 2013Oct 25 2013

Publication series

NameIEEE Region 10 Annual International Conference, Proceedings/TENCON
ISSN (Print)2159-3442
ISSN (Electronic)2159-3450

Conference

Conference2013 IEEE International Conference of IEEE Region 10, IEEE TENCON 2013
Country/TerritoryChina
CityXi'an, Shaanxi
Period10/22/1310/25/13

Keywords

  • Modular Multilevel Converter
  • Submodule
  • Switching frequency
  • Voltage balance

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