A modular multilevel power flow controller for meshed HVDC grids

Based on the comparison of existing power flow controllers (PFC) in meshed HVDC grids, the full-bridge modular multilevel converter based PFC (MMPFC) is proposed. At first, the general branch current calculation method of meshed HVDC grids with the PFC is presented, and then, the issue of over-voltage on the thyristor based PFC is described and analyzed. Through the analysis of different operating modes of the full-bridge sub-module, the mechanism of over-voltage ride through of the MMPFC is indicated. The control strategy of the MMPFC, which is used to control branch current and keep capacitor voltage balancing, is elaborated. Finally, the performance on current regulation, bidirectional operation and over-voltage ride through is simulated and verified in a built model with PSCAD/EMTDC.