Reliable Modular Multilevel Converter Fault Detection with Redundant Voltage Sensor

Ricard Picas, Jordi Zaragoza, Josep Pou, Salvador Ceballos

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

136 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper presents a fault-tolerant configuration for the modular multilevel converter (MMC). The procedure is able to detect faults in voltage sensors and semiconductor switching devices, and it can reconfigure the system so that it can keep on operating. Both switch and sensor faults can be detected by comparing the output voltage of a set of submodules (SMs), which is measured by a so-called supervisory sensor, with two calculated reference voltages. Faults in the supervisory sensors are also considered. Sensor faults are overcome by using a measuring technique based on estimates that are periodically updated with the voltage measurements of the supervisory sensors. Additional SMs are included in the arms so that the MMC can bypass a faulty SM and continue operating without affecting the output voltage of the phase-leg. Experimental results obtained from a low-power MMC prototype are presented in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques. © 2016 IEEE.
Original languageEnglish
Article number7401086
Pages (from-to)39-51
JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2017
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].

Research Keywords

  • Fault detection
  • fault localization
  • fault tolerance
  • Modular multilevel converter

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Reliable Modular Multilevel Converter Fault Detection with Redundant Voltage Sensor'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this