Modeling of Modular Multilevel Converters for Stability Analysis

Sammanfattning: Modular multilevel converters (MMCs) have recently become the state-of-the-art solution for various grid-connected applications, such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems and flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS). Modularity, scalability, low power losses, and low harmonic distortion are the outstanding properties that make MMCs a key technology for a sustainable future. The main objective of this thesis is the modeling of grid-connected MMCs for stability analysis. The stability of the interconnected system, formed by the converter and the ac grid, can be assessed by analyzing the converter ac-side admittance in relation to the grid impedance. Therefore, a method for the calculation of the ac-side admittance of MMCs is developed. This method overcomes the nonlinearities of the converter dynamics and it can be easily adapted to different applications. Moreover, the effects of different control schemes on the MMC ac-side admittance are studied, showing how the converter admittance can be reshaped. This is a useful tool for system design, because it shows how control parameters can be selected to avoid undesired grid-converter interactions. This thesis also studies ac/ac MMCs for railway power supplies, which are used in countries with a low-frequency railway grid, such as Germany (16.7 Hz) and Sweden (16 2/3 Hz). A hierarchical control scheme for these converters is devised and evaluated, considering the requirements and the operating conditions specific to this application. Furthermore, admittance models of the ac/ac MMC are developed, showing how the suggested hierarchical control scheme affects the three-phase and the single-phase side admittances of the converter. For computing the insertion indices, an open-loop scheme with sum capacitor voltage estimation is applied to the ac/ac MMC. Lyapunov stability theory is used to prove the asymptotic stability of the converter operated with the proposed control method. This specific open-loop scheme is also adapted to a modular multilevel matrix converter, which performs three-to-three phase direct conversion. Finally, this thesis presents the design of a down-scaled MMC prototype for experimental verification, rated at 10 kW with 30 full-bridge submodules. The hardware and the software are designed to be easily reconfigurable, which makes the converter suitable for different research projects focused on MMCs. Experiments on this down-scaled MMC are used to support and validate the key results presented throughout the thesis.