Cascaded H-bridge Multilevel Converter Based STATCOM

A cascaded H-bridge multilevel converter based low-capacitance STATCOM that is able to operate with extremely low DC capacitance values. It can achieve 80% reduction in the capacitor’s size, improve current quality, and reduce the maximum voltage stress on the semiconductors compared to a conventional STATCOM.

Competitive advantage

  • Significantly reduces the cost of large DC capacitors
  • Avoids reliability issues related to electrolytic capacitor failure
  • Reduces the cost of switching cell protection by reducing the DC-link fault level
  • Reduces the weight and volume of the converter, which can makes it easier to containerise high power STATCOMs

Successful outcomes

  • Experimental prototype of a single phase cascaded H-bridge multilevel converter based low-capacitance STATCOM

Capabilities and facilities

  • Power electronics laboratory
  • Hardware testing capability up to 50kVA, 1kV, 400A
  • Arbin battery and supercapacitor tester with environmental chamber
Tags
lensDecarbonising the Grid with Renewables
lensClean Energy