Exponential Weighting Model Predictive Control with Observer for Modular Multilevel Converters

Abstract

In this article, we propose a model predictive control (MPC) scheme with an exponential cost function, along with an observer for the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC), to enhance converter dynamic performance. In particular, as the prediction horizon (NP) increases, the numerical conditioning deteriorates rapidly, especially when a large NP is employed. This research work uses an appropriate cost function weighted to overcome the limitations of a large NP. We further analyze the effects of constraints, observing that the designed MPC strictly adheres to them and that the control variable influences the MMC plant’s response. The presence of the observer improves the prediction of the output, particularly for setpoint changes in the reference signal. We also analyze the prescribed performance, which provides a priori guarantees of closed-loop stability using the exponential-based MPC.