Common Mode Currents in DC Power Routers

Abstract

The grid reinforcement and energy redirection needs have led to the emergence of Back-To-Back Voltage Source Converter (BTB-VSC) based dc power routers. This paper investigates the low frequency Common Mode Currents (CMCs) that arise in the system if the employed BTB-VSCs have an un-isolated ac path connected in parallel to their output ports. Simulation results are presented to show a sensitivity analysis of lower order harmonics in CMC with respect to the operating active and reactive power of the dc router, dc link voltage, link resistance, modulation method and pole capacitance. Experimental results are shared to show existance of lower order CMC in 3-wire ac link operating in parallel with the dc power router and these are mitigated using zero sequence controller.