Influence of Controller Parameters on Open-Circuit Fault Localization Time in Full-Bridge Modular Multilevel Converter

Modular Multilevel Converters (MMCs) have gained significant attention in academia and industry due to their versatility in various applications. MMCs are known for their high efficiency, superior harmonic performance, scalability, and modularity. However, their complexity in control, reliability issues, and many components present challenges. Numerous submodule (SM) configurations have been proposed in the literature, each with advantages and disadvantages. The full-bridge (FB) configuration stands out for its robustness against DC link faults. Nevertheless, the FB SM containing four switches is susceptible to open-circuit failures (OCF). Few studies have explored such failures in FB MMCs. This paper investigates the impact of controller parameters on fault localization time in the event of an OCF in any of the four switches. The study uses two different modulation strategies, and the results are validated through simulation.