Thermal and Efficiency Analysis of Five-Level Multilevel-Clamped Multilevel Converter Considering Grid Codes

In this paper a five-level Multi-Clamped
\nMultilevel Converter (5L-MLC2) topology is analyzed based on
\na typical grid integration application for renewable energy
\nsystem. The loss and thermal distribution of the power devices
\nin different switching legs are investigated and illustrated
\nunder rated condition. Afterwards, a loss and efficiency
\nevaluation method is proposed and applied which take into
\naccount various injected reactive power ranges regulated by
\nthe grid codes. It is concluded that the loss and thermal
\ndistribution of 5L-MLC2 multilevel topology is unequal
\nbetween the clamping switching legs and the main switching
\nlegs, it also shows a good and consistent efficiency
\ncharacteristic under different output power ranges when
\ncomplying with the grid codes.