An Improved Harmonics Mitigation Scheme for a Modular Multilevel Converter

Abstract

Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) are gaining importance because of their flexible structure, re-configurable property, and simplicity of operation. The operation of MMC at a low-switching frequency (LSF) helps in enhancing the performance of the converter. This paper proposes an improved harmonics mitigation scheme for a Multilevel DC-Link Inverter (MLDCLI), which is a variant of MMC. The proposed scheme is a modified version of the conventional Nearest Level Modulation (NLM) scheme, termed as modified Nearest Level Modulation (mNLM) Scheme. The proposed scheme is effective compared to NLM because of the choice of the switching angles obtained by the use of the algorithm proposed. The MLDCLI topology is operated for twelve different configurations, and mNLM is implemented on all the configurations. Using MATLAB software, the simulation results are validated, and the same is extended to a hardware prototype. The simulation and experimental results of NLM and mNLM schemes are compared. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is evident by the reduced voltage THD, increased rms voltage, increased rms current, and increased output power.

Keywords

• Modular multilevel converters
• DC-AC power converters
• pulse width modulation converters
• power conversion harmonics
• nearest level modulation
• total harmonics distortion