A phase shifted modular multilevel converter with variable arm inductance

Abstract

The performance of a modular multilevel converter depends on modulation technique, circuit parameter and harmonic order, etc. This performance can be improved by better modulation technique, proper selection of circuit parameters (arm inductance and capacitance), etc. This paper presents the performance of a modular multilevel converter using a phase shifted and phase disposition modulation technique. It has been observed that the total harmonic distortion of phase shifted modulation technique is better than the total harmonic distortion of phase disposition modulation technique. The paper also shows the analysis of modular multilevel converters using variable arm inductance. A comparative analysis of voltage and current THD has also been shown here. The total harmonic distortion is minimum below 100 μH arm inductance. The THD has been improved at the minimum value of arm inductance for both modulation techniques. This improved THD of MMC is very efficient for wind farm application. All analysis has been done by using MATLAB/Simulink software.