Recent contributions and future prospects of the modular multilevel converters: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Summary The modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are frequently preferred for medium and high power energy conversion systems thanks to their modular structure and high quality output waveform. The remarkable studies related to the MMC have been carried out in recent years, which are mainly focused on its topology, control, or application. In this paper, MMC circuit topologies consisting of traditional submodule cells and new proposed configurations are introduced, and their control process, modulation techniques, and application areas are discussed in order to provide the readers the current state of the art of MMC technology. A wide part of this article is devoted to demonstrate the recent contributions arising in MMC studies. In this context, this paper not only outlines the circuit topology, control objectives, and applications of the MMC but also presents a comprehensive review, principally in terms of the latest developments of it. Ultimately, detailed proposals and new possible topics are provided to drive future expectations of MMC technology.

Application of a novel approach of resistive‐type superconducting fault current limiter with a fast protection system in multi‐terminal direct current network

“…The new MMC has many advantages compared with the conventional two-level or multilevel VSC, especially in terms of switching losses and power quality. 22 Figure 2A shows the three-phase configuration of the MMC topology. This one is comprised of N submodules (SMs) per arm (see Figure 2B) which results into a line-to-neutral voltage waveform of (N + 1) levels.…”

Experimental verification of a hybrid multilevel inverter with voltage‐boosting ability

“…However, it has limitations such as a large number of switching components, voltage‐balancing issues, and complex control schemes for high‐voltage levels. Whereas cascaded H‐bridge (CHB) is much suitable for grid‐connected and static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) applications . Due to modularity and simple control scheme, CHB stands out at the cost of individual isolated DC sources for each bridge …”

“…Whereas cascaded H-bridge (CHB) is much suitable for grid-connected and static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) applications. [1][2][3] Due to modularity and simple control scheme, CHB stands out at the cost of individual isolated DC sources for each bridge. 4 Further, several efforts are made in designing hybrid MLIs to generate higher levels.…”

Investigation of Standalone Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping System With Reduced Switch Multilevel Inverter

“…Therefore, there is a requirement of single-stage power conditioning (i.e., single PCU) solution for SPVWP where the inverter is capable of generating more than the two-level voltage in the output (Packiam et al, 2013;Singh, 2016, 2018). Multilevel inverters (MLIs) provide the ultimate solution for the addressed issue and capable of delivering high power and medium voltage for industrial applications (Kurtoglu et al, 2019). Moreover, MLI extracts lesser input current functions both at the higher and lower switching frequency, gives lesser dv/dt effects in the load side, and also reduces filter needs that leads to avoiding stresses in bearings of a motor (Poompavai and Vijayapriya, 2017).…”