Comparison of DSCC and SDBC Modular Multilevel Converters for STATCOM Application During Negative Sequence Compensation

Among the various topologies proposed in this literature, the modular multilevel converter (MMC) is considered the next generation of converters for medium- and high-voltage applications. This paper presents a comparison between two variants of MMCs for STATCOM applications: The double-star chopper cell-MMC and the single-delta bridge cell-MMC. These converter topologies are compared and benchmarked during positive and negative sequence compensation. The comparisons are supported by analytical results regarding minimum effective dc-link voltage, number of cells, current rating, energy storage requirements, and operation during unbalanced conditions. The dynamic behavior, power losses, and cost of both solutions are evaluated through simulation model of a 15 mega volt-ampère (MVA) MMC STATCOM.