New Pre-charging Method for Modular Multi-level Converter Operated in Nearest Level Control Modulation

Abstract

-Recently the researches on Modular Multi-level Converter (MMC) are being highlighted because high quality and efficient power transmission are key issues in the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission system. This paper proposes an improved pre-charging method for the sub-module capacitors in MMC that operates in Nearest Level Control (NLC) modulation. The proposed method does not require additional circuits or Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) techniques. The feasibility of proposed method was verified through computer simulations for a scaled 3-phase 10kVA MMC with 12 submodules per each arm. Hardware experiments with a scaled prototype were performed in the lab to confirm the simulation results.