A Highly Accurate Mathematical Model for Analyzing Modular Multilevel Converters in Transformer-Less Applications

Abstract

Transformer-less connection schemes can provide a feasible solution for lowering the economic cost, occupied space, and device weight of modular multilevel converter (MMC) systems. However, due to the reduction in the converter transformer, the current flow loop is changed; as a result, the existing MMC model is not suitable. In this paper, the ac- and dc-side equivalent circuit models of the MMC system using a transformer-less connection scheme are established in both a–b–c stationary and d–q rotating coordinate systems. Then, a highly accurate mathematical analysis model is proposed, in which the interactions among the electrical quantities can be fully seen. The mathematical model is established in the time domain, and hence the amplitude and phase angle of every harmonic component in each quantity can be directly obtained. The proposed model is verified under various typical situations by comparing the calculated values with the actual waveforms. The comparison results prove that the calculation error is small enough to be negligible. The mathematical model in this paper can provide a powerful tool in terms of the performance analysis and the main circuit parameter design for MMCs in transformer-less applications.