The Series Bridge Converter (SBC): AC Faults

The series bridge converter (SBC) is a modular multilevel voltage source converter proposed for HVdc transmission applications. This topology is attractive for offshore and inner-city installations due to reduced volume and footprint, when compared with the modular multilevel converter. However, the required reduction in converter ac-side voltages during ac faults is particularly difficult to achieve. In this letter, a novel SBC boost operation mode and control strategy for ac fault ride-through is described and then validated in a steady state by simulation.