Robust multilevel multiphase Energy Generation Systems based on the T-type converter

This paper describes a basic idea of a multilevel multiphase Energy Generation Systems (EGS) that display an interesting feature of increased robustness on contrary to their 3-phase counterparts. It is achieved mainly due to utilization of multiphase generator that is inherently able to work under open-phase failure without any fault-tolerant algorithm. Unfortunately, one phase lost in the generator or its converter results in significant electromagnetic torque ripples that have a negative impact on the machine bearing and elements mounted on its shaft. Then a proper fault-tolerant algorithm for the generator is necessary and it is addressed in this paper as well. This feature gives an opportunity to `sacrifice' one leg of the generator converter in place of faulted leg of the grid converter if fault occurs in the latter. This is called a reconfiguration mechanism and its operation is originally introduced and simulated here for a 3-level T-type converter topology.