Distributed Control for Modular Multilevel Cascaded Converters: Toward a Fully Modular Topology

In this review article, we will explore the recent advancements in the field of distributed control of modular multilevel cascaded converters (MMCCs), highlighting the key challenges and opportunities in this area. The article will delve into the various control strategies that have been proposed and evaluate their performance in different scenarios, considering three main aspects: 1) the MMCC voltage and power level, 2) the MMCC topology being considered [e.g., the modular multilevel matrix converter (M3C) and the hexverter], and 3) the application being considered [e.g., drive applications, static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs), etc.]. This review work aims to help researchers by providing an overview of the current state of the art in the field of distributed control of MMCCs. It will point them toward the gaps in current research and provide inspiration for future work. For practicing engineers, the article will provide a detailed understanding of the control strategies and technologies used in MMCCs. It will highlight the key challenges and opportunities in the field, allowing engineers to make informed and cost-effective decisions when designing and implementing MMCCs in practical applications.