Submodule Voltage Balancing and Loss Equalisation in Alternate Arm Converters Based on Virtual Voltages

Georgios Konstantinou, Harith R. Wickramasinghe, Salvador Ceballos, Josep Pou

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Balancing of the submodule (SM) capacitor voltages in the alternate arm converter (AAC) exhibits a great amount of similarities with other modular topologies, especially the modular multilevel converter (MMC). However, the requirements of operation at overmodulation range and the alternate conduction of the phase current further complicate the voltage balancing task. In this paper, a voltage balancing and loss equalisation approach based on virtual SM voltages in combination with sorting algorithms is introduced. The developed approach uses the switching states of the SMs as feedback and provides reduction of the switching frequency of the SMs, further addressing excessive switching due to component parameter variation, tolerances and faults. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated with simulation results from an equivalent full switching model of an AAC for HVDC applications.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2018 International Power Electronics Conference, IPEC-Niigata - ECCE Asia 2018
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages3117-3122
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9784886864055
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Oct 2018
Event8th International Power Electronics Conference, IPEC-Niigata - ECCE Asia 2018 - Niigata, Japan
Duration: 20 May 201824 May 2018

Publication series

Name2018 International Power Electronics Conference, IPEC-Niigata - ECCE Asia 2018

Conference

Conference8th International Power Electronics Conference, IPEC-Niigata - ECCE Asia 2018
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityNiigata
Period20/05/1824/05/18

Keywords

  • Alternate arm converter
  • loss equalisation
  • modular multilevel converter
  • multilevel converters
  • virtual voltages
  • voltage balancing

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