Smart De-Rating of Modular Multilevel Converters and Systems

This project target to investigate the mission profiles and reliability performances of several modular multilevel converters (MMC) used for STATCOM application, which is becoming important and promising solution for the large wind power plants. The basic structures, operations as well as controls for the MMC converters are going to be first analyzed and modelled. Afterwards the loading and reliability performances of the selected MMC converters will be investigated and compared, where the grid faults and unbalanced loading conditions will be the major focus. Finally some smart control/derating/maintenance strategies will be developed to improve the reliability performances of the STATCOM system.