Decentralized Control for the Cell Power Balancing of a Cascaded Full-Bridge Multilevel Converter

This article presents a decentralized control technique applied to Cascaded Full-Bridge Multilevel Converter (CFBMC) balance the amount of power provided by its independent cells connected in series. It is based on use elementary modular controllers, associated with each converter cell, communicating their close neighbors obtain appropriate balancing. A complete theoretical study system terms modal responses, feedback loop bandwidth and stability criteria design method correctors explained as well. Each controller can be dynamically removed or added allow reconfiguration number during operation for functional safety purposes. illustrated five-cell CFBMC, studied both simulations experimental tests. The response load transients cell voltage disturbances demonstrates robustness proposed method. Thanks modularity, levels easily increased inserting new series without adding complexity part.