Modular multilevel converter for large-scale multistring photovoltaic energy conversion system

Sebastian Rivera, Bin Wu, Ricardo Lizana F., Samir Kouro, Marcelo Perez, Jose Rodriguez

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

94 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents a new grid connected photovoltaic energy conversion system configuration for large scale power plants. The grid-tied converter is based on a modular multilevel converter using voltage source H-bridge cells. The proposed converter is capable of concentrating a multimegawatt PV plant with distributed string MPPT tracking capability, high power quality and increased efficiency compared to the classic two-level voltage source converters. The main challenge is to handle the inherent power unbalances which may occur, not only between the different cells of one phase of the converter, but also between the three phases. The control strategy to deal with these unbalances is analyzed in this paper. Simulation results for a downsized 7 level MMC composed of 18 H-bridge cells and PV strings are presented to validate the proposed topology and control method.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2013 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2013
Pages1941-1946
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event5th Annual IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exhibition, ECCE 2013 - Denver, CO, United States
Duration: 15 Sep 201319 Sep 2013

Publication series

Name2013 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2013

Conference

Conference5th Annual IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exhibition, ECCE 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver, CO
Period15/09/1319/09/13

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright: © 2013 IEEE.

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