Optimum Design Guidelines for the Modular Multilevel Converter in Active Front-End Applications: Considerations for Passive Component Reduction

This article proposed an optimum design procedure for an MMC AFE converter resulting in reduction in the size, weight, and losses of the passive elements installed in the converter. By taking advantage of an optimum design point for the MMC AFE converter, it was shown through case studies that the amount of the capacitor voltage reduction achieved can be almost the same as the circulating current injection methods (equal to approximately 40%). Also, by moving the majority of the installed inductance from arms to the phases, a significant reduction in the total inductor volume/size can be achieved.