New modular multilevel converter with power channels between upper- and lower arms suitable for MV drives

Liqun He, Kai Zhang, Jian Xiong, Shengfang Fan, Xiaosen Chen, Yaosuo Xue

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

64 Scopus citations

Abstract

When a modular multilevel converter (MMC) is operated at low frequencies, the submodule (SM) capacitors will suffer from huge voltage fluctuations. This problem must be overcome before MMCs find wider applications in medium voltage (MV) drives that require a wide speed range. The established solution for suppressing the voltage fluctuation have been injecting high frequency common-mode voltage and circulating current into each phase leg. This inevitably increases current stress of the power devices, which is not welcome in high power applications. Based on the fact that the pulsating powers of the upper- and lower arms are in opposite phase, this paper aims to eliminate the voltage fluctuation via added power channels between the upper- and lower arms of each phase. These power channels can also be used for active power decoupling, which can greatly reduce the SM capacitance.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAPEC 2015 - 30th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages799-805
Number of pages7
EditionMay
ISBN (Electronic)9781479967353
DOIs
StatePublished - May 8 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event30th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2015 - Charlotte, United States
Duration: Mar 15 2015Mar 19 2015

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings - IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition - APEC
NumberMay
Volume2015-May

Conference

Conference30th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCharlotte
Period03/15/1503/19/15

Keywords

  • medium voltage drives
  • modular multilevel converter
  • power channel

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