A Generalized Configuring Architecture for Switching-Mode Multi-level Multi-line DC Power Flow Controllers: Topology, Operation and Control

Multi-line DC power flow controllers (MDCPFCs) are promising solutions to the power flow control in meshed dc grids. To boost the voltage ratings of MDCPFCs, this paper proposes a generalized configuring architecture for switching-mode multi-level MDCPFCs. Two distinctive features are unveiled in this architecture. In topology layer, the architecture can accommodate arbitrary types of multi-level bridge topologies. In operation layer, circuit mode operation evolves from a complementary scheme to the parallel one, which reduces steady-state voltage stresses on semiconductors to the greatest possible extent. Detailed topology architecture and the corresponding control scheme are elaborated in this paper. Both simulations and experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed configuring architecture.