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Abstract-For modular multilevel converters (MMCs) applied to medium-voltage DC distribution grids, using the traditional Nearest Level Modulation (NLM) as in HVDC systems can lead to severe current distortion due to significantly reduced module number. This paper proposes a hybrid modulation method combining NLM and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) where only one module per arm operates under PWM mode. The proposed Nearest Level PWM (NL-PWM) method not only significantly reduces the current distortion, but also avoids the complicated voltage balancing control in each module. The harmonic characteristics of NL-PWM are derived using double Fourier transform, which provides theoretical basis for selecting module number and switching frequency for medium-voltage application in accordance with grid harmonic requirements. Finally, the harmonic characteristics and feasibility of the proposed modulation method are validated by simulation and experimental studies on a MMC with 6 modules per arm. The simulated and experimental results reveal that NL-PWM has better voltage and current harmonic characteristics over NLM and CPS-PWM, thereby suiting the application of MMC with few models.

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The phase behaviors of homopolymer-monotethered nanoparticles (HMNs) in melt are investigated via a theoretical method combining self-consistent field theory for polymers and density functional theory for hard spheres. An extremely asymmetric phase diagram is observed: (i) microphases are only possible for the volume fraction of the tethered polymer f > 0.35; (ii) in addition to lamellar phase, the system can only self-assemble into various morphologies with a polymer-rich matrix, including gyroid phase, cylindrical phase, and spherical phase. In the frame of this theory, the critical point for HMNs' microphase separation is significantly lower than that of linear diblock copolymers. Furthermore, the characteristic length of microphase-separated structures of HMNs is much smaller than that of linear diblock copolymers with the same molecular weight. Our calculation results on morphologies and characteristic length agree well with recent simulations and experimental observations.

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