A generic virtual prototyping tool for multilevel modular converters (MMCs)

In this article, a generic virtual prototyping tool to optimize Modular Multilevel Converters (MMCs) is proposed. The aim is to optimize the components of MMC. Moreover, the geometry of the arm inductor is proposed and its geometric variables are optimized. A generic model of MMC and an optimization tool, implemented in MATLAB/Simulink, are presented. Maximize the converter efficiency and minimize its overall volume define a bi-objective optimization problem. A bi-objective Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used and optimization results are presented in Pareto fronts. To validate the generic virtual prototyping tool, two converters are optimized: 13.85 kVA and 398 kVA. Analysis and discussions to choose suitable solutions on Pareto fronts are performed.