A Generic Scheduling Algorithm for Low-Frequency Switching in Modular Multilevel Converters with Parallel Functionality

Abstract

Since the introduction of modular multilevel converters (MMC), various additional features have been introduced for MMCs, among them parallel inter-module connectivity. However, such a parallel mode requires appropriate modulation and switching strategies to exploit its full potential. Low-frequency switching modulation is widely used with half-bridge modules and a large body of research focusses on the optimum control and scheduling of these methods. However, so far, a suitable adaptation for MMCs with parallel mode is missing, and existing methods perform suboptimum. This paper proposes a generic scheduling algorithm for simple and low-cost integration with low-frequency switching modulation. The proposed method reduces control complexity, minimizes power loss, and can be combined with most modulation techniques, including nearest-level modulation (NLM) and selective harmonic elimination (SHE). The text provides a general algorithm for integrating this method with other control levels and analyzes its effect on MMCs with parallel functionality. Moreover, it examines the performance of the system with NLM combined with the proposed scheduler and compares it to other alternatives. Results show up to 50% reduction in power loss with a similar modulation technique as well as significantly lower THD and power loss compared to optimized phase-shifted carrier modulation as another sensorless alternative method.