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Mission profile emulation (MPE) for submodules (SMs) in the modular multilevel converter (MMC) is a crucial step before a full-scale system is put into field operation. Existing methods suffer from limitations of the testing accuracy due to the staircase-like arm voltages that result in distorted loading current and require large filter inductance. This is especially the case when a limited number of SMs are under test. In this article, an efficient MPE method is proposed to emulate the loading behaviors of multiple SMs in MMC. The testing circuit allows two arms of MMC with flexible SM number, operating in inverting and rectifying mode under nearest level modulation, to be tested simultaneously with reduced dc supply voltage. A common H-bridge circuit is introduced in the testing circuit, with each arm of the H-bridge circuit functioning as the voltage compensator by using feedforward control. In this way, the current distortion can be significantly suppressed, and testing accuracy can be guaranteed in a cost-efficient manner even though no large inductor is included in the testing circuit. The proposed method allows SMs under test to be loaded as in the actual back-to-back MMC system. Simulations and experimental measurements are given to validate the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a modified LLC resonant converter with LC antiresonant circuit in parallel branch is proposed. The proposed converter is derived by placing LC antiresonant circuit on parallel branch. In comparison with LLC resonant converter, the equivalent inductance of parallel branch of the proposed converter decreases along with switching frequency within regulating frequency range. This advantageous property contributes for that the turn-off current and circulating conduction loss in the primary side can be reduced at unity voltage conversion ratio due to large impedance of LC antiresonant circuit. Moreover, by optimizing resonant parameters design of parallel branch based on time-domain analysis, the magnetizing current is in close proximity to a sine wave and the conduction loss in the secondary side will be reduced, especially in the light load. A higher voltage conversion ratio can be achieved at low switching frequency due to decreased impedance in parallel branch. In addition, a design flowchart and a design practical case are given to help to implement an efficiency optimization algorithm to decide five resonant design parameters. Finally, a 2 kW 250 V—400 V-input and 48 V-output prototype is built, and the main experimental results are provided to verify the feasibility of the proposed converter and compare with LLC resonant converter. Comparative state-plane trajectories are depicted to compare their characteristics and to verify the model-domain analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A decoupled mathematical model based on inner electromotive force (EMF) comprises comprehensive state variables of the MMC considering AC grid normal and asymmetric conditions are developed. • Considering that the established model can decouple the DC inner EMF from the SM-capacitor voltages, a novel DC-side voltage control technique is proposed to improve the voltage behavior. • The energy-based control method, which is only suitable for the PCMMC or VCMMC under short or medium DC transmission line conditions, is improved and extended to the entire HVDC system. Thus, both VCMMC and PCMMC can achieve full control of their inner dynamics regardless of DC line length. The interconnection of two non-synchronous AC grids is one of the promising applications in the modular multilevel converter (MMC) based high-voltage direct-current transmission system (MMC-HVDC). Due to the complicated internal dynamics of the MMC, energy-based control is becoming an emerging technique to guarantee the robust stability of the MMC. However, conventional energy-based control cannot be applied simultaneously to the power-controlled MMC (PCMMC) and voltage-controlled MMC (VCMMC) interconnected by short or medium DC transmission lines. To address this problem, this paper proposes an improved energy-based control for the MMC-HVDC system aiming to achieve full control of the inner dynamics of MMCs regardless of the DC line length. A completed decoupled mathematical modeling with comprehensive state variables of MMCs is established. Then, a unified control framework for the PCMMC and the VCMMC considering AC grid conditions is developed. A distinct advantage of the scheme is that direct and fast regulation of the DC-side voltage can be achieved to improve the voltage behavior. The other is that the dynamic performance of the submodule capacitor voltages of VCMMC and PCMMC can be conspicuously improved under normal, AC system fault and arm parameter asymmetry conditions. Comparative simulations and hardware-in-loop (HIL) experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ring and meshed dc distribution grids have attracted increasing interest lately. Their multipoint and multiterminal structure facilitates flexible operational control and reliable power supply across the network. However, the dc grids implemented with existing power converters lack sufficient control freedoms for proper power flow adjustment; therefore, it is necessary to develop additional dc power flow controllers (DCPFCs) to be added to these grids for improved power flow control capability. Specific to multiterminal dc networks built with modular multilevel converters (MMCs), this article proposes an embedded DCPFC (e-DCPFC) directly integrated in the MMC topology. Unlike previously proposed solutions, the e-DCPFC configuration is derived from the conventional MMC and does not need any isolation transformers or external power supply. Its other main features include modular construction, convenience for multiport extension and bidirectional power flow adjustment capability. In this article, the topology, working principle, and the coordinated control strategy for e-DCPFC and its host MMC are elaborated. Experimental results from a lab prototype verify the proposed topology and its performance under typical working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposed the concept of monopolar fault reconfiguration for bipolar dc distribution system realized with Bipolar Half Bridge (BiHB) converter. Monopolar fault reconfiguration oriented from bipolar high voltage direct current (HVdc) transmission grid. For dc distribution, the operation aim is to provide uninterrupted power supply to critical load under monopolar fault. It requires interfacing circuit with fault-tolerant capability as well as control design considering both bipolar and monopolar working mode. The proposed BiHB converter achieves mode switching by reconfiguring the converter switching pattern. Considering both monopolar and bipolar working mode, a bipolar modulation method is proposed for coordinate circuit design. Key influence factors relating to the transient voltage spikes have been identified, including the fault detection delay and the modulation method. Besides, to suppress the voltage spikes caused by monopolar fault, feed-forward compensation is adopted for smooth mode transition. The proposed BiHB converter and control strategy have been comparatively evaluated under fault protection and restoration. Uninterrupted power supply of load has been attained, in validation of the proposed monopolar fault reconfiguration concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular multilevel converter (MMC) based solid state transformer (M-SST) shows promise in hybrid ac/dc distribution grids. To further meet low voltage dc (LVdc) users’ requirements, a bipolar-type M-SST (BM-SST) is developed in this article, which not only has medium voltage ac and dc ports but also directly provides a bipolar low voltage dc (BLVdc) port for various LVdc sources and loads such that an extra SST or voltage balancer for achieving similar outcomes could be saved. Featuring various ac and dc ports, easy voltage conversion, and flexible power control capability, BM-SST is most suitable for multiple ac and dc grids interconnection as an energy hub. The most crucial issue of BM-SST is how to deal with the unbalanced power caused by the bipolar LVdc port which leads to submodule capacitor voltage deviation and uncontrollable circulating current between upper and lower arms of MMC. An arm voltage regulation (AVR) combing with active circulating current injection (ACCI) method is proposed in this article to eliminate the unbalanced power and its negative effects. Based on detailed circuit analysis of the BM-SST, the coordinated control of the BM-SST with optimum AVR&ACCI is designed. Moreover, the effects of AVR&ACCI method on current stress, voltage stress, and power loss of BM-SST are evaluated. The feasibility of the proposed BM-SST has been verified by experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mission profile emulator (MPE) proves to be an effective and cost-efficient approach to validate the design and reliability of the submodule (SM) in a modular multilevel converter (MMC). This article established the detailed models for the capacitor voltages of SM in the MMC system. The factors that can determine the dc component of capacitor voltages in SM of MMC are analytically solved. The difference between the capacitor voltage of SM in a complete MMC system and that of SM in MPE is discovered, explained, and verified. In order to improve the emulating accuracy for the capacitor voltage in SMs of the MPE, a novel voltage control method, which is more adaptive to the operating conditions of MMC, is proposed. The simulation models and experimental setup are built to verify the validity of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]