A hybrid boost modular multilevel converter-based bipolar high voltage pulse generator

Ahmed Elserougi, Ahmed Massoud, Mohamed Daoud, Shehab Ahmed

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Conventional Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) with Half-Bridge Sub-Modules (HB-SMs) can be used effectively as a solid-state high-voltage pulse generator to chop a high-voltage dc input into a bipolar pulsed output voltage without employing neither high-voltage semiconductor switches nor series-connected switches. Nonetheless, its boosting capability is constrained. In this paper, a hybrid boost MMC-based bipolar high-voltage pulse generator is proposed where each arm contains a combination of Full-Bridge SMs (FB-SMs) and HB-SMs. The HB-SMs and FB-SMs have the same rated voltage. The proposed approach is able to generate bipolar pulses, and operates with a wide range of boosting capability. Detailed illustration of the proposed configuration and its operational concept are presented. Simulation models for the proposed approach are built, for different FB-SMs to HB-SMs ratios, using Matlab/Simulink platform. Experimental results for a scaled-down prototype are presented to validate the concept.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number8120343
Pages (from-to)2873-2880
Number of pages8
JournalIEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation
Volume24
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Pulsed power system
  • pulse generator

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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