Study and comparison of discontinuous modulation for modular multilevel converters in motor drive applications

Discontinuous modulation applied to modular multilevel converters is an effective method for reducing the capacitor voltage ripples. In this paper, the discontinuous modulation is adapted and used in a motor drive application. For proper operation of the converter, a new energy controller is presented, which is suitable for operation with nonsinusoidal reference signals. Experimental results comparing the discontinuous modulation with other techniques operating at low motor speeds are shown. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the discontinuous modulation on reducing capacitor voltage ripples and power losses.Postprint (published version

A hybrid modular multilevel converter for medium-voltage variable-speed motor drives

Modular multilevel converters (MMC) have revolutionized the voltage-sourced converter-based high-voltage direct current transmission, but not yet got widespread application in medium-voltage variable-speed motor drives, because of the large capacitor voltage ripples at low motor speeds. In this paper, a novel hybrid MMC topology is introduced, which significantly reduces the voltage ripple of capacitors, particularly at low motor speeds. Moreover, this topology does not introduce any motor common-mode voltage; as a result, there are no insulation and bearing current problems. Additionally, the current stress can remain at rated value throughout the whole speed range; thus, no device needs to be oversized and converter efficiency can be ensured. Operating principle of this hybrid topology is explained, and control schemes are also developed. Validity and performance of the proposed topology are verified by simulation and experimental results

Modular Multilevel Converter for Electric Motor Drive Applications

In this master thesis the topic of Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) has been studied. The working principle of the converter is presented with advantageous attributes such as a multilevel waveform, a modular realization and cost saving features. Vital control objectives are active and reactive power control, DC link voltage control, submodule capacitor voltage control and current control. A level-shifted pulse-width modulation (PWM) switching scheme was found to have relatively low total harmonic distortion (THD), thus used in the upcoming simulations. In order to ensure balancing of the converter capacitors, a voltage balancing algorithm was presented, sorting the capacitors based on their voltage level, and giving a state command accordingly. The thesis has examined the challenges of using MMC for electric motor drive applications. It has been found that the low frequency operation causes large voltage ripple in the capacitors, thus a large circulating current. Through a literature search, different measures where found in order to reduce the circulating current, including circulating current suppressing and manipulation. In addition an introduction of a common mode voltage was presented as a possible measure. After developing the one-phase model of the project thesis into a three-phase model, the circulating current suppressing controllers (CCSC) were tested, first at 50Hz, and then at 25Hz. At 50Hz, all three controllers worked as intended, reducing the circulating current by up to 72% and the voltage ripple was reduced from ∆vc = 10V to ∆vc = 6V . At 25Hz, all the controllers maintained their ability to reduce the circulating current. Nonetheless, it was concluded that further measures must be studied, as all controllers increased the capacitor voltage ripple at f =25Hz

The Essential Role and the Continuous Evolution of Modulation Techniques for Voltage-Source Inverters in the Past, Present, and Future Power Electronics

The cost reduction of power-electronic devices, the increase in their reliability, efficiency, and power capability, and lower development times, together with more demanding application requirements, has driven the development of several new inverter topologies recently introduced in the industry, particularly medium-voltage converters. New more complex inverter topologies and new application fields come along with additional control challenges, such as voltage imbalances, power-quality issues, higher efficiency needs, and fault-tolerant operation, which necessarily requires the parallel development of modulation schemes. Therefore, recently, there have been significant advances in the field of modulation of dc/ac converters, which conceptually has been dominated during the last several decades almost exclusively by classic pulse-width modulation (PWM) methods. This paper aims to concentrate and discuss the latest developments on this exciting technology, to provide insight on where the state-of-the-art stands today, and analyze the trends and challenges driving its future

An optimal full frequency control strategy for the modular multilevel matrix converter based on predictive control

The modular multilevel matrix converter (M3C) is a promising topology for high-voltage high-power applications. Recent researches have proved its significant advantages for adjustable-speed motor drives compared with the back-to-back modular multilevel converter (MMC). However, the branch energy balancing in the M3C presents great challenge especially at critical-frequency points where the output frequency is close to zero or grid-side frequency. Generally, this balancing control depends on the appropriate injection of inner circulating currents and the common-mode voltage (CMV) whereas their values are hard to determine and optimize. In this paper, an optimization based predictive control method is proposed to calculate the required circulating currents and the CMV. The proposed method features a broad-frequency range balancing of capacitor-voltages and no reactive power in the grid side. For operation at critical-frequency points, there is no increase on branch voltage stresses and limited increase on branch current stresses. A downscaled M3C system with 27 cells is designed and experiment results with the R-L load and induction motor load are presented to verify the proposed control method

Control of wind energy conversion systems based on the Modular Multilevel Matrix converter

The nominal power of single Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) has been steadily growing, reaching power ratings close to 10MW. In the power conversion stage, medium-voltage power converters are replacing the conventional low-voltage back-to-back topology. Modular Multilevel Converters have appeared as a promising solution for Multi-MW WECSs, due to their modularity, and the capability to reach high nominal voltages. This paper discusses the application of the Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter (M3C) to drive MultiMW WECSs. The modelling and control systems required for this application are extensively analysed and discussed in this paper. The proposed control strategies enable decoupled operation of the converter, providing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) capability at the generator-side, grid code compliance at the grid-side [including Low Voltage Ride Through Control (LVRT)], and good steady state and dynamic performance for balancing the capacitor voltages in all the clusters. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is validated through simulations and experimental results conducted with a 27 power-cell prototype

An Overview of Modelling Techniques and Control Strategies for Modular Multilevel Matrix Converters

The Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter is a relatively new power converter topology appropriate for high-power Alternating Current (AC) to AC purposes. Several publications in the literature have highlighted the converter capabilities such as modularity, control flexibility, the possibility to include redundancy, and power quality. Nevertheless, the topology and control of this converter are relatively complex to design and implement, considering that the converter has a large number of cells and floating capacitors. Therefore multilayer nested control systems are required to maintain the capacitor voltage of each cell regulated within an acceptable range. There are no other review papers where the modelling, control systems and applications of the Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter are discussed. Hence, this paper aims to facilitate further research by presenting the technology related to the Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter, focusing on a comprehensive revision of the modelling and control strategies.Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID) of Chile Fondecyt 11191163 Fondecyt 1180879 Fondecyt 11190852 Fondef ID19I10370 University of Costa Rica 322-B9242 University of Santiago Dicyt 091813D

Design and Simulation of Modular Multilevel Converter Fed Induction Motor Drive

Traditional modular multilevel converter (MMC) applications in medium voltage induction motor drive are difficult, particularly at low speeds because of the higher magnitude of the voltage ripple of the sub-module capacitor. This paper uses a hybrid MMC, particularly at low frequencies, to achieve a lower peak-to-peak voltage ripple of the sub-module capacitor. The vector control strategy with the closed-loop speed control indicates an accurate and wide-speed range. MATLAB / Simulink is used to simulate and obtain the simulation results of hybrid and traditional MMC with induction motor drive and compare from the standpoint of capacitor voltage ripple. The results are shown the reduction of peak-to-peak voltage ripple of the sub-module capacitor as the hybrid MMC is operated

An Overview of Applications of the Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter

The modular multilevel matrix converter is a relatively new power converter topology suitable for high-power alternating current (AC)-to-AC applications. Several publications in the literature have highlighted the converter capabilities, such as full modularity, fault-redundancy, control flexibility and input/output power quality. However, the topology and control of this converter are relatively complex to realise, considering that the converter has a large number of power-cells and floating capacitors. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no review papers where the applications of the modular multilevel matrix converter are discussed. Hence, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art of the modular multilevel matrix converter, focusing on implementation issues and applications. Guidelines to dimensioning the key components of this converter are described and compared to other modular multilevel topologies, highlighting the versatility and controllability of the converter in high-power applications. Additionally, the most popular applications for the modular multilevel matrix converter, such as wind turbines, grid connection and motor drives, are discussed based on analyses of simulation and experimental results. Finally, future trends and new opportunities for the use of the modular multilevel matrix converter in high-power AC-to-AC applications are identified.Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/[Fondecyt 11191163]/ANID/ChileAgencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/[Fondecyt 1180879]/ANID/ChileAgencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/[Fondecyt 11190852]/ANID/ChileAgencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/[ANID Basal FB0008]/ANID/ChileAgencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/[Fondef ID19I10370]/ANID/ChileUniversidad de Santiago/[Dicyt 091813DD]//ChileUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ingeniería::Facultad de Ingeniería::Escuela de Ingeniería Eléctric