Modular Multilevel Parallel Converter (M2PC) for electrically driven vehicles

The new Modular Multilevel Parallel Converter (M2PC) for electrically driven vehicles is presented in this paper. The new M2PC upgrades the advantages of common Modular Multilevel Converters (M2C) through the ability to connect capacitors of nearby Submodules (SM's) not only serially but also in parallel. This leads to some further advantages like the improved usage of electronic parts and higher redundancy. Besides these improvements the macro and micro topology and its new interconnections resulting from novel SM switching states are described in detail. The functionality of the concept is proven by a simulation and measurements with a converter arm consisting of several SM's. Furthermore, the redundancy, scalability and reliability of the converter are discussed.