Hybrid Nearest Level and open loop control of modular multilevel converters

In this paper a Nearest Level Control with open loop approach for modular multilevel converter (MMC) is proposed. By using open loop approach it is possible to suppress circulating currents without using feedback controllers. Moreover, with this method, both N+1 and 2N+1 levels (N=number of sub-modules) can be obtained at the output voltage. In addition, the voltage quality is improved and the total harmonic distortion is reduced at higher and lower modulation indices by increasing the number of levels up to 2N+1. Simulation results of 3-phase MMC are presented for both 2N+1 and N+1 levels together with the description of proposed Nearest Level Control scheme.