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Modular Multilevel Converters for Large-Scale Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Saud Alotaibi

    (Department of Engineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4WY, UK
    Department of Electrical Engineering, Engineering College, Shaqra University, Riyadh 11961, Saudi Arabia)

  • Ahmed Darwish

    (Department of Engineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4WY, UK)

Abstract

The use of photovoltaic (PV) systems as the energy source of electrical distributed generators (DG) is gaining popularity, due to the progress of power electronics devices and technologies. Large-scale solar PV power plants are becoming the preferable solution to meet the fast growth of electrical energy demand, as they can be installed in less than one year, as compared to around four years in the case of conventional power plants. Modular multilevel inverters (MMIs) are the best solution to connect these large-scale PV plants to the medium-voltage (MV) grid, due to their numerous merits, such as providing better power quality, having higher efficiency, providing better reliability, and their scalability. However, MMIs are still progressing and need some improvement before they can be implemented safely in the industrial, medium, and high voltage networks. The main purpose of this paper is to review the present MMIs topologies when used in PV applications. The review aims to present a comprehensive study of the various recent submodule circuits associated with MMI topologies. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control schemes for PV inverters will be explored extensively. Then, the different control strategies of PV MMIs will be presented and compared to give a holistic overview of the submodules balancing techniques, ranges, and capabilities under balanced and unbalanced grid conditions. In addition, the paper will discuss the future of PV MMIs systems in electricity networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Saud Alotaibi & Ahmed Darwish, 2021. "Modular Multilevel Converters for Large-Scale Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-30, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:19:p:6213-:d:646022
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    10. Zeng, Zheng & Yang, Huan & Zhao, Rongxiang & Cheng, Chong, 2013. "Topologies and control strategies of multi-functional grid-connected inverters for power quality enhancement: A comprehensive review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 223-270.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Fatemeh Nasr Esfahani & Ahmed Darwish & Barry W. Williams, 2022. "Power Converter Topologies for Grid-Tied Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Powered Electric Vehicles (EVs)—A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-28, June.
    2. Saud Alotaibi & Xiandong Ma & Ahmed Darwish, 2022. "Dual Isolated Multilevel Modular Inverter with Novel Switching and Voltage Stress Suppression," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-18, July.
    3. Bo-Yu Luo & Ramadhani Kurniawan Subroto & Chang-Zhi Wang & Kuo-Lung Lian, 2022. "An Improved Sliding Mode Control with Integral Surface for a Modular Multilevel Power Converter," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-18, February.
    4. Ahmed Darwish & George A. Aggidis, 2022. "A Review on Power Electronic Topologies and Control for Wave Energy Converters," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-24, December.
    5. Muhammad Ahsan & Jose Rodriguez & Mohamed Abdelrahem, 2023. "Distributed Control Algorithm for DC Microgrid Using Higher-Order Multi-Agent System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-20, May.
    6. Flavio A. Garcia-Santiago & Julio C. Rosas-Caro & Jesus E. Valdez-Resendiz & Jonathan C. Mayo-Maldonado & Antonio Valderrabano-Gonzalez & Hector R. Robles-Campos, 2022. "Single-Phase Five-Level Multilevel Inverter Based on a Transistors Six-Pack Module," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-21, December.
    7. Fatemeh Nasr Esfahani & Ahmed Darwish & Ahmed Massoud, 2022. "PV/Battery Grid Integration Using a Modular Multilevel Isolated SEPIC-Based Converter," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-25, July.
    8. Ismail Aouichak & Sébastien Jacques & Sébastien Bissey & Cédric Reymond & Téo Besson & Jean-Charles Le Bunetel, 2022. "A Bidirectional Grid-Connected DC–AC Converter for Autonomous and Intelligent Electricity Storage in the Residential Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-19, February.
    9. Yousef Alharbi & Ahmed Darwish, 2023. "Control of Cuk-Based Microinverter Topology with Energy Storage for Residential PV Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-23, February.
    10. Ahmed Darwish, 2022. "A Bidirectional Modular Cuk-Based Power Converter for Shore Power Renewable Energy Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-28, December.

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