Review of modular multilevel converters for teaching a graduate-level course of power electronics in power systems

With rapid advancements in power semiconductor technologies, Forced Commutated Converter systems are taking the market in high voltage, high power transmission and distribution applications. The Modular Multilevel Converters have become an attractive choice for future HVDC transmission projects because of their easy scalability, full real and reactive power flow control, dynamic voltage regulation, black start capability, smaller space requirements, etc. Graduate students in universities should be made aware of these newer converters to be able to apply them in industry and research. This paper presents an overview of the different fundamental concepts of Modular Multilevel Converters and a roadmap to teaching it in a graduate level course of Power Electronics in Power Systems.