Three-Phase Isolated Multimodular Converter in Renewable Energy Distribution Systems

Abstract

Multilevel converters are widely used in medium and high-voltage applications. Their high performance, power quality, efficiency, and smaller filters make them interesting for renewable energy distribution systems. In utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) plants, these topologies could provide multiple benefits since they are able to connect string of PV panels to independent modules. However, high floating voltages caused by high number of modules limit multilevel converters in medium and high-voltage applications, since all of them are not suitable to provide isolation to each module. To offer a solution, this paper presents a novel multimodular converter that provides multiple isolated modules connected in series through low-frequency transformers to operate at medium voltage levels. This topology is able to achieve the power balancing between the connected modules and independently adjust the dc voltage of each module by means of controlling a circulating current which flows through the arms. Furthermore, the topology implemented in PV renewable energy systems and the control strategy required to regulate the circulating and the output current are presented. The main principle behind this concept and the performance of the converter are evaluated and validated through the simulation and experimental results.