Hybrid Modular Multilevel Converter with Reduced Number of Components

In this paper, a hybrid MMC with reduced number of components is proposed. Compared with the traditional MMC and the existing similar MMCs, the proposed hybrid MMC has following advantages. The number of components is fewer. And the voltage ripples of SM capacitors are lower, which can reduce the requirement of capacitance. Therefore, when the voltage stress of components and the number of output voltage level are same, the size, weight and cost of proposed hybrid MMC are reduced. The principle is analyzed. The component count and voltage ripple are compared with other MMCs in detail to visualize its advantages. Phase shift carrier pulse width modulation is used and the controllers of voltage balance is designed. All abovementioned analyses and advantages of proposed hybrid MMC are verified by the results of simulation.