Principal investigator: Brandon Grainger
Co-PI: YuAnn Li
University: University of Pittsburgh
Industry partner: Innomotics, LLC
This project advances modular multilevel converter technology for high-voltage direct current and high-powered drive applications by replacing bulky arm inductors with a control-oriented design that significantly reduces magnetic material. Current MMC systems depend on large inductors to suppress circulating current, leading to excessive copper usage, heavy system mass, increased cost, and substantial installation footprint. We propose a reduced-inductance MMC architecture where circulating-current stabilization is achieved through modulation-based control rather than hardware scaling. This approach reduces inductance volume, lowers parasitic resistance, and improves overall efficiency.
The work will design, simulate, and experimentally validate a Phase-A MMC with substantially reduced inductance using real-time control hardware, a 400-volt/30-ampere supply, sensing instrumentation, and benchmark grid inductors for comparison. Expected results include smaller inductors, reduced material demand, and higher efficiency operation. The outcome directly benefits Pennsylvania HVDC and drive manufacturers, including ABB, General Electric, Eaton, HICO, Innomotics, and Mitsubishi Electric.