Research on Transforming Effect and Calculation Method of MMC Converter on AC / DC Harmonics

Modular multilevel converter (MMC) is currently the most concerned voltage source converter topology in the field of flexible direct current transmission (VSC-HVDC). Due to its non-linear characteristics, harmonic components will inevitably be generated in AC and DC systems, which may affect the operation of equipment and system, cause protection equipment to malfunction, and cause interference to neighboring communications. The MMC converter is a non-linear device, which can be considered as an amplifying modulator with voltage and current conversion functions. The AC and DC networks are coupled to each other through the MMC converter to generate dynamic harmonic interaction. In recent years, harmonic instability problems have appeared in many VSC-HVDC projects. Compared with other converter topologies, the transfer relationship of harmonics on the AC and DC sides of MMC converters has not been studied in depth. In this paper, by studying the AC/DC harmonic conversion characteristics of MMC converters, it reveals the conversion law of MMC converters between AC/DC harmonics; through theoretical derivation, the quantitative calculation method of MMC harmonic transmission process is given. PSCAD simulation results prove the correctness of the above results.