An Active Cross-Connected Modular Multilevel Converter (AC-MMC) for Medium-voltage Motor Drive

Abstract

This paper presents an active cross-connected modular multilevel converter (AC-MMC) based on series-connected half-bridge modules. It is intended for completely enhancing the performance of a medium-voltage motor drive system in the full speed range from standstill to rated speed under all load conditions. The proposed AC-MMC circuit is characterized by the cross connection of upper and lower arm middle taps through a branch of series-connected half-bridge converters, which have an identical voltage and current rating with the submodules in the upper and lower arms. This cross-connected branch provides a physical power transfer channel for the upper and lower arms. By properly controlling the amount of high-frequency current flowing through the cross-connected branch, the power balance between the upper and lower arms is achieved even at a zero/low motor speed under constant torque condition. Meanwhile, no common-mode voltage is introduced in the whole speed range. A control strategy with focus on submodule capacitor voltage control is also proposed in this paper to guarantee the normal converter operation. Simulation results obtained from a 4160-V, 1-MW model verify the feasibility of the proposal. Experiments on a downscaled prototype also confirm the validity of the novel circuit and the associated control strategy.