Abstract: A submodule for a modular multilevel converter has nine semiconductor switches that can be switched off, four capacitors, six network nodes, and two terminals. The components are mounted such that different voltages are generated between the terminals of the submodule by controlling the semiconductor switches. This arrangement of components substantially improves the behavior of the converter and of the submodule in the event of a fault.

Abstract: A submodule for a modular multilevel converter has nine semiconductor switches that can be switched off, four capacitors, six network nodes, and two terminals. The components are mounted such that different voltages are generated between the terminals of the submodule by controlling the semiconductor switches. This arrangement of components substantially improves the behavior of the converter and of the submodule in the event of a fault.

Abstract: A submodule for a modular multilevel converter has ten semiconductor switches that can be switched off, four capacitors, six network nodes, and two terminals. The components are mounted such that different voltages are generated between the terminals of the submodule by controlling the semiconductor switches. This arrangement of components substantially improves the behavior of the converter and of the submodule in the event of a fault.

Abstract: A power converter arrangement with a modular multi-level converter which includes a series circuit of switch modules which each have a plurality of semiconductor switches and an energy source. Some of the switch modules are of a first type and others of the switch modules are of a second type. During operation, a positive switch module voltage, a negative voltage module voltage, or a null voltage is generated at connection terminals of the switch modules of the first type, and a positive switch module voltage or a null voltage can be generated at connection terminals of the switch modules of the second type. The power converter arrangement further contains a support structure having a number of levels, which each have receptacles in which the switch modules are arranged, with both switch modules of the first and second type being arranged in each level of the support structure.

Abstract: A method manages a fault on a DC voltage side of a converter assembly including a modular multistage converter with switching modules having semiconductor switches and an energy store. Some switching modules are a first type and others are a second type. During operation, a positive switching module voltage, negative switching module voltage or zero voltage are generated at terminals of switching modules of the first type, and a positive switching module voltage or zero voltage are generated at terminals of switching modules of the second type. Upon detecting a DC voltage side fault, switching modules of the first type are actuated such that the polarity of their energy store voltages corresponds to the polarity of a fault current, and energy stores of switching modules of the first type are charged to a voltage exceeding their rated voltage. A converter assembly carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for precharging half bridge modules and full bridge modules of a modular multilevel converter includes providing the modular multilevel converter with at least one phase module branch with half bridge modules and full bridge modules connected electrically in a series circuit, and each of the half bridge modules and full bridge modules having at least first and second module connections, two electronic switching elements and an electrical energy store. In a first charging phase after connecting the multilevel converter to an energy supply network with the electronic switching elements of the half bridge modules and the full bridge modules not actuated, the energy stores of the half bridge modules and the full bridge modules are charged in an uncontrolled manner. In a second charging phase, the electronic switching elements of at least some full bridge modules are actuated such that the half bridge modules are charged further.

Abstract: An assembly having a multilevel power converter, which has at least one phase module, wherein the phase module has a plurality of modules, each with a first electrical module terminal and a second electrical module terminal. The plurality of modules includes modules of a first type, which are able to output a voltage of only one polarity or zero voltage at their first electrical module terminal and their second electrical module terminal. The plurality of modules includes modules of a second type, which are able to output a voltage of one polarity, a voltage of opposite polarity or zero voltage at their first electrical module terminal and their second electrical module terminal. Depending on the polarity of a voltage across the modules of the second type, a voltage limiting device limits the voltage.

Abstract: A method controls a converter having a plurality of switching modules. Each of the switching modules has controllably interruptible semiconductor switches and an energy store. A switching frequency of the switching modules is regulated in consideration of at least one integral limiting value, wherein the at least one integral limiting value is variably determined over time, in accordance with the energy store voltages of the switching modules.

Abstract: A method regulates a power converter arrangement that has at least one power converter arm with a series circuit of two-pole switching modules. Each of the switching modules contains a plurality of semiconductor switches and an energy store. At least some of the switching modules are switching modules of a first type and at least some further switching modules are switching modules of a second type. In the method, a voltage setpoint value of a power converter regulator is apportioned into a first and a second setpoint value portion. The switching modules of the first type are driven on the basis of the first setpoint value portion and the switching modules of the second type on the basis of the second setpoint value portion.

Abstract: A method manages a fault on a DC voltage side of a converter assembly including a modular multistage converter with switching modules having semiconductor switches and an energy store. Some switching modules are a first type and others are a second type. During operation, a positive switching module voltage, negative switching module voltage or zero voltage are generated at terminals of switching modules of the first type, and a positive switching module voltage or zero voltage are generated at terminals of switching modules of the second type. Upon detecting a DC voltage side fault, switching modules of the first type are actuated such that the polarity of their energy store voltages corresponds to the polarity of a fault current, and energy stores of switching modules of the first type are charged to a voltage exceeding their rated voltage. A converter assembly carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method controls a converter having a plurality of switching modules. Each of the switching modules has controllably interruptible semiconductor switches and an energy store. A switching frequency of the switching modules is regulated in consideration of at least one integral limiting value, wherein the at least one integral limiting value is variably determined over time, in accordance with the energy store voltages of the switching modules.

Abstract: A method regulates a power converter arrangement that has at least one power converter arm with a series circuit of two-pole switching modules. Each of the switching modules contains a plurality of semiconductor switches and an energy store. At least some of the switching modules are switching modules of a first type and at least some further switching modules are switching modules of a second type. In the method, a voltage setpoint value of a power converter regulator is apportioned into a first and a second setpoint value portion. The switching modules of the first type are driven on the basis of the first setpoint value portion and the switching modules of the second type on the basis of the second setpoint value portion.