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This paper proposes an improved topology of unified power flow controller (UPFC) based on nine-arm modular multilevel converter which could realize the same function as conventional UPFC composed of two back-to-back modular multilevel converters (MMCs). The proposed improved UPFC topology based on nine-arm MMC (9AMMC-UPFC) could offer significant advantages, that the number of required submodules and arm inductors could be reduced by 25% and 50%, respectively over the traditional UPFC based on MMCs. Therefore, the system volume and cost could be drastically reduced. The structure and operation principle of proposed 9AMMC-UPFC are firstly illustrated in this paper. Next, phase-shifted carrier-based PWM technique including capacitor voltage balancing control is briefly described for the operation of proposed 9AMMC-UPFC. Then, in order to suppress the exclusive odd-order harmonics in circulating currents of proposed 9AMMC-UPFC, circulating current suppression control method is put forward. Finally, the performance of the proposed 9AMMC-UPFC are evaluated by the simulation and experiment results.

Nine-arm modular multilevel converter (9A-MMC) could be applied in many applications, such as dual-motor driving and unified power flow controller, which usually include two sets of ac output terminals. Generally, two conventional modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are applied in such application, which would increase the volume and cost of system. Compared with two conventional MMCs, 9A-MMC could reduce 25% of the required submodules and 50% of the arm inductors, which means that the system volume and cost could be extremely reduced. This paper proposes a complete control scheme for better operation of 9A-MMC. To well elaborate the proposed control scheme, the operating principles of 9A-MMC, especially for capacitor voltages fluctuation and circulating currents, are firstly analyzed in detail. Subsequently, the control methods including capacitor voltage balancing control and circulating current suppression control are systematically presented in this paper. Finally, the simulation results verify the performance of 9A-MMC and the effectiveness of control methods.