Method for controlling a multilevel cascade BTB System using bidirectional isolated dc/dc converters

Abstract

This paper discusses a 6.6-kV next-generation BTB system in which bidirectional isolated dc/dc converters are combined with modular multilevel cascade converters. The system consists of N converter cells cascaded in each phase at both front ends. Each converter cell consists of a bidirectional isolated dc/dc converter and two voltage-source H-bridge PWM converters. This circuit configuration can be adopted to significantly reduce harmonic voltages and currents because the voltage steps are extremely low. In a conventional power conversion system, bulky line-frequency transformers are employed. On the other hand, in the present system, light and compact high-frequency transformers are used for providing galvanic isolation. Thus, the overall physical size and weight are reduced. The authors design, construct, and test a single-phase 120-V, 3.3-kW downscaled model with N = 3, in order to verify the feasibility and effectiveness. The downscaled model helps to develop an operable 6.6-kV system with focus on control and performance. © 2010 The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan.