MMC technology and its participation in the integration of variable renewable energies and implementation of DC grids

The emerging Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) technology is expected to play a key role in the construction of DC grids and integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) at bulk to medium and high voltage. The DC option is also perceived as solution to the steady increase in power demand and the collection of disperse conventional and variable generations. These can be achieved while maintaining the control and operation of the grid into the smart grid playground without affecting the environment. Therefore, this paper presents the characteristics of the MMC along with the modulation techniques as well as control methods for MMC-based high multilevel structures. Also the MMC-HVDC advantages for integrating RES are reviewed. At final section the technical and environmental benefits of using MMC for DC grids are discussed.