Loss Assessment of MMC-Based VSC-HVDC Converters Using IEC 62751-1-2 Std. and Component Datasheet Parameters

The losses of voltage source converters have an immense proportion of the total losses of the converter stations due to the high switching frequency and low voltage level features of voltage source converter. Therefore, due to its characteristics of low switching frequency, low converter losses and flexible controlled, the Modular multi-level converter has been globally used in the HVDC transmission schemes (projects). Therefore, it is of importance to conduct an investigation on the loss evaluation method in the flexible M2C-based HVDC transmission system. This paper presents a mathematical analysis for estimating both the switching and conduction losses for VSC-based HVDC stations adopting the M2C topology. The switching and conduction losses are estimated for each individual cell during HVDC converter stations operating conditions. The total converter losses are subsequently determined by summing up the switching and conduction losses of all converter cells. Moreover, the detailed techniques adopted in this research for estimating the power losses in the valves for a Modular Multi-Level converter HVDC system were done in accordance with standards IEC 62751-1-2, power losses in voltage source converter (VSC) valves for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems and component datasheet parameters.