An Innovative Full-Bridge Multiplexing Arm Modular Multilevel Converter with DC Fault Blocking Capability

The compact design of the modular multilevel converter (MMC) has garnered significant attention due to stringent requirements for miniaturization in offshore wind power aggregation and urban grid distribution. This article proposes a novel Full-Bridge Multiplexing Arm MMC (FBMA-MMC), where each multiplexing arm comprises half-bridge submodules (HBSMs). By integrating additional switching devices, the multiplexing arms are configured to emulate the operational characteristics of full-bridge converters, thereby enabling reliable dc fault ride-through capability. Furthermore, an adaptive phaseshift modulation method is developed to achieve dynamic energy balance across the HBSMs within the multiplexing arms. Comprehensive simulations and experimental results validate the feasibility of the proposed converter topology and its control strategy, demonstrating significant advantages in lightweight design and fault-handling capability.