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In this paper, a new HVDC shunt tap is proposed. The proposed configuration consists of a unidirectional hybrid modular DC–DC converter followed by a voltage source converter for DC–AC conversion to feed a local AC network connected to the tap output terminals. The proposed DC–DC converter consists of a high-voltage valve, and series-connected unidirectional half-bridge Sub-Modules (SMs). Unlike Marx generator circuit concept, the DC–DC conversion in the proposed configuration is achieved by enabling simultaneous charging of series-connected capacitors (i.e. SMs capacitors), and sequential discharging of capacitors. Compared to Marx-generator based switched capacitor DC–DC converters, the proposed configuration has a lower number of semiconductor devices, which affects positively the system cost, and reduces the control complexity. Detailed illustration, design, and control of the proposed approach are presented. Simulation results are presented to validate the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A new switching pattern is proposed for zero voltage switching of hybrid modular dc-dc converter. • The switching losses is greatly reduced by enabling operation with ZVS of the involved HV valve. • The dynamic voltage sharing of series-connected IGBTs based HV valve is simplified as the switching occurs at zero voltage. Abstract In this paper, a bidirectional non-isolated hybrid modular DC–DC converter for high-voltage (HV) applications is investigated. In this configuration, conventional Half-Bridge Sub-Modules (HB-SMs) are employed. The proposed DC–DC converter is based on connecting the SMs capacitors in series across the high DC voltage level while connecting them sequentially across the low DC voltage level. On another frontier, an HV valve, based on series-connected Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs), is required at the HV side. The main confronted challenge of the series-connected IGBTs is the voltage sharing during turn-on and turn-off periods, which necessitates the engagement of an intricate voltage sharing technique. In this work, a switching pattern is proposed to ensure zero-voltage switching (ZVS) of the involved HV valve. In order to reduce the switching losses and avoid complex active gate control recruited for dynamic voltage sharing, the zero-voltage state is extended beyond the switching time. A detailed illustration of the hybrid modular DC–DC converter is presented, elucidating the proposed switching pattern. Simulation results, using Matlab/Simulink platform, are presented to validate the contribution of the paper. Finally, a scaled-down prototype is employed for experimental verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]