Review of multiport modular multilevel converters for residential applications: A control perspective

Abstract

Distributed generation and storage systems have become important in the residential building environment. One of the more promising power electronic interfaces between these systems and the grid/building are multiport modular multilevel converters (MPMMCs). These converters can potentially improve efficiency and flexibility, however their control can pose challenges. Here, MPMMC topologies will be reviewed and analysed from a control standpoint (i.e. what control structures they require and what control outcomes they can achieve). This paper first determines a criteria for selecting a MPMMC for a residential building. It then presents a set of review criteria that can be used as guide for future multiport multilevel modular converters. It then applies these review criteria to analyse the converters that passed the selection criteria. Based on a detailed comparison of these topologies an appropriate multiport modular multilevel solution can be arrived at for a given application.