A Flexible Modular Multi-Level Converter for DC Microgrids with EV Charging Stations

This paper proposes a modular multilevel converter (MMCon) as a flexible interface for DC microgrids. The operation of this converter is examined for a microgrid integrating highly intermittent loads and storage. Electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations are the chosen example of intermittent loads in the microgrid. The MMCon provides flexibility for a future increase of the microgrid's capacity thanks to its high scalability allowing for the accommodation of new loads and energy sources through retrofitting additional parallel modules. A control strategy for the converter is proposed and the operation during demand side control of the microgrid is validated through computer simulation.