A Universal Blocking-Module-Based Average Value Model of Modular Multilevel Converters With Different Types of Submodules

Abstract

The large amount of power electronic submodules and semiconductor switching events in the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) introduces several challenges for efficient and accurate Electro-Magnetic Transient (EMT) simulation. Research efforts have focused on developing Average Value Models (AVMs) of MMC that enable fast and accurate dynamic simulation of the converter. This paper proposes a universal blocking-module-based AVM, which can simulate the MMC of different submodule types and provide accurate results for the MMC operating in both blocking and de-blocking modes. An analytical approach is included in the model to calculate the semiconductor losses of different submodule types in the MMC. The proposed model is validated against a detailed switching-based model and the state-of-the-art AVMs in a 41-level two-terminal MMC-HVDC system.