Design of a Modular Multilevel Converter Prototype for Research Purposes

As modular multilevel converters gradually become the preferred topology for many high-voltage andhigh-power applications, they are widely studied among researchers, who need experimental results tovalidate their studies. This paper discusses the design of a down-scaled modular multilevel converterprototype for research purposes, equipped with 30 full-bridge submodules and 10 kW rating. The designof this prototype is aimed at safety, flexibility, orderliness, and compactness. The challenges posed by theimplementation of the converter prototype are examined, discussing the design of the prototype structure,the communication scheme, the full-bridge submodules, and the control hierarchy. The control systemis based on Xilinx Zynq system-on-chip, which integrates programmable logic and processing system,allowing for extensive computational capability as well as simple reconfiguration. Experimental resultsshowing the prototype in operation at nominal ratings are presented along with the devised graphical userinterface.
QC 20181128