Fault Localization Strategy for Modular Multilevel Converters Under Submodule Lower Switch Open-Circuit Fault

Abstract

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) is an attractive option for high-voltage and high-power applications. Fault localization is one of the most important challenges for the MMC consisting of a large number of power electronic switches. Existing literature has not provided a complete fault localization strategy for the MMC under submodule (SM) lower switch open-circuit fault, which only considers the MMC in inverter mode and neglects the MMC in rectifier mode. This article proposes a fault localization strategy for the MMC under SM lower switch open-circuit fault, which is suitable for the MMC not only in inverter mode but also in rectifier mode. This article analyzes the MMC fault characteristics under SM lower switch open-circuit fault, which considers the MMC in inverter and rectifier mode, respectively. Based on two modes' common fault characteristic that the capacitor is charged all the time during the period when the arm current is positive, the faulty SM can be effectively located by the proposed fault localization strategy. The proposed strategy is not only implemented in simulation with professional tool PSCAD/EMTDC but also verified with a downscale MMC prototype in the laboratory. The results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.