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The first comprehensive three-phase state-space dynamic phasor model (DPM) for the emerging class of dc/dc/ac modular multilevel converters (MMCs) is presented that accounts for both dc/dc and dc/ac power transfer mechanisms. The phasor model is derived in the $\alpha \beta ~0$ -frame and includes frequency components from dc to third harmonic, which is shown to yield a high degree of matching for both steady-state and transients when compared against switched and time-averaged models, the latter of which is also derived in this work. An analytical solution procedure is then proposed that takes advantage of the phasor model time-invariance to find the full state solution at any operating point including the requisite open-loop modulating signals. Several analyses are carried out for two different dc/dc/ac MMC case study designs to explore the utility and versatility of the proposed DPM and solution procedure. Results show the patterns of internal current stresses and capacitor voltage ripples for the arms can vary significantly and in a nonsymmetrical manner, which is in stark contrast to the traditional dc/ac MMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A control scheme is presented for a dual inverter drive with a floating capacitor bridge, with decoupled motor and capacitor dynamics. A stator current reference frame is used that decouples the real and reactive power components of the motor and enables the decoupling of the motor and capacitor dynamics. Apart from the high frequency voltage ripple due to the inverter switching pattern, the capacitor voltage can be kept constant even during large step changes in motor speed reference and load torque. This allows for the use of a significantly smaller floating bridge capacitor whose size depends only on the steady-state high frequency voltage ripple. Additionally, the number of PI regulators used compared to previous works and the dc-link voltage requirements are both reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explosive levels of research into modular multilevel dc–dc converters (dc–dc MMCs) for dc and hybrid ac–dc systems are currently being witnessed. A new class of dc–dc MMCs has recently emerged that obviates the traditional intermediate ac link with galvanic isolation by internally circulating ac power among the converter switching cells. This novel power transfer mechanism opens the door to an array of new non-isolated converter structures with broad application in MVDC and HVDC systems. This paper gives a comprehensive overview of dc–dc MMCs that exploit the circulating ac power concept. Emergent topologies suitable for use in dc and hybrid ac–dc grids are identified and collated into the following categories: 1) two-terminal and multi-terminal dc–dc MMCs; 2) dc–dc MMCs with ac grid interface; 3) dc line power tapping devices; and 4) dc line power flow controllers. The survey provides researchers with an overall snapshot of technology development for this promising new class of converters in key areas relevant to smart grids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dc-modular multilevel converter (DC-MMC) is one of a new class of single-stage modular multilevel dc–dc converters that has recently emerged for high-voltage dc applications. This paper presents the first small-signal state-space model for the DC-MMC that is able to account for the multifrequency power transfer mechanisms within the converter. Derived from a dynamic phasor model representation of the DC-MMC, the developed model is linear time-invariant (LTI), allowing for the application of conventional LTI tools for both analysis and design. The small-signal dynamics are validated by simulation results from a full switched model demonstrating its accuracy. A simplified model derived from the full LTI system is presented that readers can utilize to develop dynamic controls for the DC-MMC. As a case study, this benchmark model is leveraged to propose a dynamic controller that regulates dc power transfer between networks and balances the capacitor voltages. Control block diagrams are also provided that enable systematic control design of the DC-MMC via standard linear methods. Case study simulations verify the efficacy of the developed controls for dc network applications. The presented small-signal modeling and control design methodology can be readily applied to any MMC-based topology. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A new class of modular multilevel dc/dc converters has recently emerged that eliminates the traditional full-rated intermediate ac stage inherent to two-stage dc/dc converter structures, that is, two cascaded dc/ac modular multilevel converters (MMCs). This paper introduces the first averaged dynamic state-space model for this new class of single-stage dc/dc converter, called the DC-MMC, which captures all input and output terminal dynamics as well as internal capacitor dynamics. Based on the developed analytical model, a dynamic phasor model is derived to accommodate the multifrequency components that exist at steady state. The phasor model enables: 1) solving for the full steady-state solution of the DC-MMC under arbitrary loading and 2) evaluation of DC-MMC open-loop stability via eigenvalue analysis. These analyses are not possible with existing DC-MMC models. Simulations of a comprehensive switched model verify the accuracy of the presented analytical models, which represent valuable study tools for the analysis of emerging modular multilevel dc/dc converters containing multiple frequency components. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper introduces a modular multilevel dc/dc converter, termed the DC-MMC, that can be deployed to interconnect HVDC networks of different or similar voltage levels. Its key features include: 1) bidirectional power flow; 2) step-up and step-down operation; and 3) bidirectional fault blocking similar to a dc circuit breaker. The kernel of the DC-MMC is a new class of bidirectional single-stage dc/dc converters utilizing interleaved strings of cascaded submodules. The DC-MMC operation is analyzed and an open loop voltage control strategy that ensures power balance of each submodule capacitor via circulating ac currents is proposed. Simulations performed in PLECS validate the DC-MMC's principle of operation and the proposed control strategy. Experimental results for a 4-kW laboratory prototype illustrate the single-stage dc/dc conversion process for both step-down and step-up operating modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]