High Quality NLM Method for Medium Voltage Hybrid Bridge MMC

Medium voltage hybrid bridge multilevel converter (MMC) usually has a lower number of links. Therefore, the traditional Nearest Level Modulation (NLM) method has the problems of low equivalent switching frequency and poor output quality. And the traditional Carrier Phase-shifted Pulse Width Modulation (CPS-PWM) modulation has problems such as difficulty in hybrid bridge control, difficulty in redundant configuration, and large amount of calculation. In response to the above problems, this paper proposes a new high-quality NLM method. Based on the traditional NLM modulation method, PWM modulation output and module voltage equalization are realized through the time difference between one module input and one module exit in each control cycle. It achieves the purpose of improving the equivalent switching frequency and output power quality, and at the same time has the advantages of the traditional NLM modulation method with small calculation amount, redundant configuration and hybrid bridge modulation. This article describes the three modulation methods and compares their effects. Finally, the theoretical analysis is verified by PSCAD simulation.