On dynamics and voltage control of the Modular Multilevel Converter

This paper discusses the impact of modulation on stability issues of the Modular Multilevel Converter (M2C). The main idea is to describe the operation of this converter system mathematically, and suggest a control method that offers stable operation in the whole operation range. A possible approach is to assume a continuous model, where all the modules in each arm are represented by variable voltage sources, and as a result, all pulse width modulation effects are disregarded. After simulating this model and testing different control methods, useful conclusions on the operation of the M2C have been extracted. The control methods are then implemented on a model with discrete half-bridge modules, in order to compare the results and to validate the continuous model approach. When assuring that this model functions as expected, the goal of this paper is to conclude into a self-stabilizing voltage controller. A controller is proposed, which eliminates circulating currents between the phase legs and balances the arm voltages regardless of the imposed alteranting current.