DC voltage converter including two circuit breaker devices

Abstract

DC voltage converter comprising two circuit-cutting devices. Voltage converter (10) comprising first (11), second (12), third (13), fourth (14) and fifth (15) DC terminals; at least one arm (16,16',16'') comprising an upper point (16a) and a lower point (16b) between which it extends, an arm comprising first, second, third and fourth electrical conversion modules (18) each comprising a chain of sub-modules, at least one controllable return switch (36,36',36'',38) being connected between a midpoint of the arm and said third DC terminal; at least one first controllable circuit-cutting device (30,30',30'') connected in series with the first electrical conversion module between a first intermediate point of said arm and the first DC terminal;and at least one second controllable circuit breaker device (32,32',32'') connected in series with the fourth electrical conversion module between a second intermediate point of said arm and the second DC terminal. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 2.;

Description

Title of the invention: Direct voltage converter comprising two circuit-breaker devices Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of voltage converters for converting a first direct voltage into a second direct voltage. These voltage converters are also called DC / DC voltage converters. This type of converter is particularly suitable for installation in high voltage direct current (HVDC) power supply installations. DC / DC voltage converters allow the connection of a first portion of a direct current power supply network with a second portion of a direct current power supply network.

[0002] The present invention relates more specifically to voltage converters making it possible to connect a first portion of a continuous electrical network of bipole topology with a second portion of a continuous electrical power supply network of monopole topology.

[0003] A portion of a continuous electrical network of bipole topology traditionally comprises a first conductive line, a second conductive line, and a return line, for example a metallic return line. Said conductive lines and said return line form conductors. Such a portion of a continuous electrical power supply network of bipole topology has a first pole formed between the first conductive line and the return line, as well as a second pole formed between the second conductive line and the return line.

[0004] A portion of a continuous power supply network of monopole topology traditionally comprises two conductive lines, also called conductors, defining a single pole. It may be of the asymmetrical monopole type, in which case it comprises a phase conductive line and a neutral conductive line. It may also be of the symmetrical monopole type, in which case it comprises two phase conductive lines. Prior art

[0005] A DC / DC converter is known such as that described in the publication GJ Kish and PW Lehn, “Modeling Techniques for Dynamic and Steady-State Analysis of Modular Multilevel DC-DC Converters”. This converter makes it possible to connect a first portion of a continuous electrical power supply network, having a bipole topology and comprising a first electrical pole and a second electrical pole, with a second portion of a continuous power supply network having a symmetrical monopole topology.

[0006] The voltage converter described in this document comprises first, second, third, fourth and fifth DC terminals. The first DC terminal is configured to be connected to the first pole of the first portion of DC power supply network of bipole topology while the second DC terminal is configured to be connected to the second pole of the first portion of DC power supply network of bipole topology. The third DC terminal is configured to be connected to a return line of the first portion of DC power supply network. The fourth and fifth DC terminals are configured to be connected to the second portion of DC power supply network. This voltage converter further comprises an arm comprising a plurality of electrical conversion modules connected in cascade between the first DC terminal and the second DC terminal.These electrical conversion modules are each equipped with chains of sub-modules.

[0007] A disadvantage of this converter is that it creates a coupling between the first and second poles of the first portion of the DC power supply network of bipole topology to which it is connected, taking into account the currents flowing between the four electrical conversion modules. Also, in the event of a fault or disturbance on the first or second pole of the first portion of the DC power supply network, this voltage converter according to the prior art causes a disturbance on the other pole, which is nevertheless healthy. Consequently, in the event of a fault on only one of the two poles, all power exchanges between the first and second portions of the DC power supply network must be interrupted and the complete voltage converter must be shut down for a long period, in order to carry out maintenance and disconnect the faulty pole.The converter must then be reconfigured, during these maintenance operations, to be able to operate in degraded mode. In this degraded operating mode, this converter requires the use of full-bridge topology sub-modules. The fault behavior of this converter is not satisfactory and does not correspond to what is generally expected of converters connected to a portion of a bipole topology network: it is expected that a fault on one pole does not disturb the other pole and that in the event of a fault, including internal to the converter, at least half of the nominal power of the voltage converter can be transferred to the second portion of the power supply network without interruption. In other words, this converter does not offer redundancy, which is detrimental. Statement of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to propose a voltage converter which overcomes the aforementioned problems.

[0009] To do this, the invention relates to a voltage converter making it possible to convert a first DC voltage into a second DC voltage and vice versa, the voltage converter comprising: - first, second and third continuous terminals configured to be electrically connected respectively to a first conductive line, a second conductive line and a return line of a first portion of a continuous electrical power supply network of bipole topology; - fourth and fifth continuous terminals configured to be electrically connected to a second portion of a continuous power supply network of monopole topology; - at least one arm comprising at least one upper point and one lower point between which it extends, the upper point being electrically connected to the first continuous terminal while the lower point is electrically connected to the second continuous terminal, said at least one arm comprising a first electrical conversion module electrically connected between the upper point and a first intermediate point of the arm, a second electrical conversion module electrically connected between said first intermediate point and a midpoint of the arm, a third electrical conversion module electrically connected between said midpoint and a second intermediate point of the arm, and a fourth electrical conversion module electrically connected between said second intermediate point and said lower point of the arm,the first intermediate point of the arm being electrically connected to the fourth continuous terminal while the second intermediate point of the arm is electrically connected to the fifth continuous terminal, the midpoint being electrically connected to said third continuous terminal, at least one controllable return switch being connected between said midpoint and said third continuous terminal, said return switch being able to take an open position and a closed position, each of the first, second, third and fourth electrical conversion modules comprising a chain of sub-modules individually controllable by a control member specific to each sub-module and each sub-module comprising a capacitor,the control member of each sub-module being able to take at least a first state in which the capacitor is inserted into the chain of sub-modules and a second state in which the capacitor is not inserted into said chain of sub-modules, at least one of the electrical conversion modules comprising an inductor connected in series with the chain of sub-modules of said electrical conversion module; - at least one first controllable circuit breaker device connected in series with the first electrical conversion module between the first intermediate point of said arm and the first continuous terminal, the first circuit breaker device being able to take an open position and a closed position; and - at least one second controllable circuit breaker device connected in series with the fourth electrical conversion module between the second intermediate point of said arm and the second continuous terminal, the second circuit breaker device being able to take an open position and a closed position.

[0010] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the first, second and third continuous terminals are advantageously configured to be electrically connected to a first complete continuous power supply network while the fourth and fifth continuous terminals are configured to be electrically connected to a second complete continuous power supply network. Said first and second continuous power supply network portions may comprise one or more stations.

[0011] The first DC power supply network portion comprises a first pole formed between the first conductive line and the return line, and a second pole formed between the second conductive line and the return line. The second DC power supply network portion comprises a single pole.

[0012] In a non-limiting manner, the second portion of the DC power supply network may be of the asymmetrical monopole type, in which case it has a phase conductive line and a neutral conductive line. The second portion of the DC power supply network may also be of the symmetrical monopole type, in which case it comprises two phase conductive lines.

[0013] Preferably, the return line of the first portion of the DC power supply network is a metallic return line. Said return line is advantageously connected to earth. In normal operation of the first portion of the DC power supply network, this return line has a potential lower than the potential of the other conductive lines of this first portion of the network. The return line is a low-voltage line. It is configured to be placed at potentials relative to earth of a few hundred volts or even a few kilovolts at most.

[0014] In a non-limiting manner, the upper point of said at least one arm may be connected to the first continuous terminal directly or indirectly. In other words, one or more components may be connected between the upper point of the arm and the first continuous terminal.

[0015] Similarly, in a non-limiting manner, the lower point of said at least one arm may be connected to the second continuous terminal directly or indirectly. In other words, one or more components may be connected between the lower point of the arm and the second continuous terminal.

[0016] The first, second, third and fourth electrical conversion modules are connected in cascade in said at least one arm. It is understood that the arm comprises at least four chains of sub-modules.

[0017] In a non-limiting manner, the first intermediate point of the arm may be connected indirectly to the fourth continuous terminal. In this case, one or more electronic components are arranged between said first intermediate point and said fourth continuous terminal. Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the first intermediate point of the arm may be connected directly to the fourth continuous terminal, in which case no component, active or passive, is arranged between said first intermediate point and the fourth continuous terminal.

[0018] In a non-limiting manner, the second intermediate point of the arm may be connected indirectly to the fifth continuous terminal. In this case, one or more electronic components are arranged between said second intermediate point and said fifth continuous terminal. Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the second intermediate point of the arm may be connected directly to the fifth continuous terminal, in which case no component, active or passive, is arranged between said second intermediate point and the fifth continuous terminal.

[0019] It is understood that the arm comprises at least one inductor. This inductor, connected in series with the chain of sub-modules of at least one of the electrical conversion modules, allows the generation and circulation of an alternating electric current in the arm. Preferably, each of the first and fourth electrical conversion modules comprises an inductor connected in series with the chain of sub-modules of said electrical conversion module.

[0020] Preferably, the sub-modules of the chains of sub-modules of the first, second, third and fourth electrical conversion modules of said at least one arm have a half-bridge topology or a full-bridge topology. Without departing from the scope of the invention, an electrical conversion module may comprise only half-bridge sub-modules, only full-bridge sub-modules or a combination of half-bridge and full-bridge sub-modules.

[0021] Preferably, the second and third electrical conversion modules comprise only half-bridge sub-modules. Preferably, the first and fourth electrical conversion modules comprise a combination of full-bridge sub-modules and half-bridge sub-modules.

[0022] The converter may comprise one or more return switches. Preferably, the midpoint of the arm is connected to the third continuous terminal by a return connection line. Said controllable return switch is advantageously connected in said return connection line.

[0023] Said controllable return switch makes it possible to interrupt the circulation of a electric current between said midpoint of the arm and said third terminal continues, when placed in the open position.

[0024] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the voltage converter may comprise a plurality of arms connected in parallel with each other. In this case, the upper points of the arms are advantageously connected to each other and form an electrical node and the lower points of the arms are advantageously connected to each other and form an electrical node. The voltage converter then advantageously comprises a plurality of return connection lines, each extending between the midpoint of one of the arms and a junction point electrically connected to the third DC terminal. In a non-limiting manner, the junction point may be the same as the third DC terminal.

[0025] The voltage converter advantageously comprises at least one controllable return switch connected in a return connection line between said junction point and the midpoint of an arm. The voltage converter advantageously comprises a controllable return switch connected between said junction point and said third DC terminal.

[0026] In a non-limiting manner, the first and second circuit breaker devices advantageously comprise one or more switching members chosen from: one or more switches, for example high-voltage switches, one or more disconnectors, one or more circuit breakers, or even a mixture of these switching members.

[0027] Preferably, but not limited to, the first circuit breaker device consists of a switch. Preferably, but not limited to, the second circuit breaker device consists of a switch.

[0028] In a non-limiting manner, the first circuit breaker device may be connected in said at least one arm. In a non-limiting manner, the first circuit breaker device may be connected in said arm between the first electrical conversion module and the first intermediate point of the arm, or between the first electrical conversion module and the upper point of the arm.

[0029] The first circuit breaker device is configured to prevent the flow of an electric current between the first intermediate point of said arm and the first continuous terminal, when it is placed in the open position, and to allow the flow of such a current when it is placed in the closed position. The first circuit breaker device makes it possible to connect or disconnect the first conductive line, and therefore the first pole, of the first portion of the continuous electrical power supply network relative to the arm of the converter and more precisely relative to the second, third and fourth electrical conversion modules.

[0030] In a non-limiting manner, the second circuit breaker device may be connected in said at least one arm. In a non-limiting manner, the second circuit breaker device may be connected in said arm between the fourth electrical conversion module and the second intermediate point of the arm, or between the fourth electrical conversion module and the lower point of the arm. The second circuit breaker device is configured to prevent the flow of an electric current between the second intermediate point of said arm and the second continuous terminal, when it is placed in the open position, and to allow the flow of such a current when it is placed in the closed position.

[0031] The second circuit breaker device makes it possible to connect or disconnect the second conductive line, and therefore the second pole, from the first portion of the continuous electrical power supply network relative to the converter arm and more precisely relative to the first, second and third electrical conversion modules.

[0032] In normal operation of the voltage converter, the first and second circuit breaker devices are placed in the closed position, so as to connect the first and second conductive lines, and therefore the first and second poles, of the first portion of the continuous electrical power supply network relative to the arm(s) of the converter and to all of the electrical conversion modules.

[0033] Unlike the devices of the prior art in which the arm(s) are kept connected to the return line, regardless of the operating mode, said at least one return switch of the voltage converter according to the invention can be opened, in this normal operating configuration, so as to disconnect the return line from the first portion of the DC power supply network relative to the midpoint of the arm of the voltage converter. In this normal operating configuration, the second and third electrical conversion modules are crossed by the same current.

[0034] Furthermore, the circuit breaker devices and said at least one return switch of the voltage converter according to the invention make it possible to place the latter in a degraded operating configuration. In degraded operation, one of the first and second poles of the first portion of the continuous electrical power supply network of bipole topology is disconnected from the converter. In other words, the voltage converter can be placed in a first degraded operating configuration, when the first circuit breaker device is placed in the open position while the second circuit breaker device is placed in the closed position, and in a second degraded operating configuration, when the second circuit breaker device is placed in the open position and the first circuit breaker device is placed in the closed position.

[0035] The voltage converter is configured to take a function configuration degraded operation in which one of the first and second circuit breaker devices is placed in the open position. The voltage converter is configured to assume a normal operating configuration in which the first and second circuit breaker devices are placed in the closed position.

[0036] The voltage converter can be placed in this degraded operating configuration in the event of a breakdown or disturbance on one of the poles of the first portion of the continuous electrical power supply network or when it is desired to intervene on one of these poles, for example on the associated conductive lines, in particular for maintenance operations.

[0037] To do this, the corresponding circuit breaker device is placed in the open position in order to disconnect the first conductive line, respectively the second conductive line, from the voltage converter. From then on, the first electrical conversion module, respectively the fourth electrical conversion module is no longer crossed by a current. In this degraded operating configuration, when the first circuit breaker device is placed in the open position, the voltage converter behaves as if the first electrical conversion module were disconnected from the converter arm. In this degraded operating configuration, when the second circuit breaker device is placed in the open position, the voltage converter behaves as if the fourth electrical conversion module were disconnected from the converter arm.

[0038] At the same time, the return switch is placed in the closed position, in order to connect the return line of the first portion of the DC power supply network to the midpoint of the converter arm. One advantage is to close the circuit formed by the healthy pole, on the side of the DC power supply network of bipole topology, and thus allow the flow of an electric current in this healthy pole. The first portion of the DC power supply network then behaves like a portion of an asymmetrical monopole topology network connected to the voltage converter. The voltage converter then behaves like a voltage converter connecting a first portion of the DC power supply network of asymmetrical monopole topology and a second portion of the DC power supply network of symmetrical or asymmetrical monopole topology.

[0039] In other words, the circuit breaker devices and said at least one return switch of the voltage converter according to the invention make it possible to place said voltage converter in a degraded operating configuration.

[0040] The voltage converter according to the invention makes it possible to continue the power exchanges between a healthy pole of a first portion of the electrical power supply network of bipole topology and a second portion of the electrical power supply network of monopole topology, even if one of the poles of said first portion of continuous power supply network would be disrupted, faulty or when it is necessary to disconnect one of these poles, for example for maintenance operations. The other pole, called the healthy pole, continues to operate normally.

[0041] The voltage converter according to the invention meets the requirements in terms of redundancy insofar as, unlike the installation of the publication by GJ Kish, the disturbance or the presence of a fault on a pole of the first portion of the electrical supply network does not cause the voltage converter and therefore the voltage conversion and power transfers to be shut down for a long period. To place the voltage converter in the degraded operating configuration, it is only necessary to control the first circuit breaker device or the second circuit breaker device. The voltage converter is not necessarily shut down, or at most for a short time during the reconfiguration, in order to control the first or second circuit breaker device.Unlike the device of the prior art, the voltage converter according to the invention allows operation in a degraded configuration, without a long-term maintenance operation, involving a long-term disconnection of the faulty pole, being necessary. The voltage converter according to the invention allows a rapid and unrestricted transition from the normal operating configuration to the degraded operating configuration.

[0042] In this degraded operating configuration, the voltage converter according to the invention makes it possible to transmit power between the first and second portions of the direct current power supply network substantially equal to half the power transmitted in the normal operating configuration of the voltage converter.

[0043] In order to restore the normal operating configuration, the return switch is placed in the open position and the circuit breaker device having been previously opened is placed in the closed position, so as to reconnect the corresponding conductive line, and therefore the associated pole, of the first portion of the DC power supply network to the voltage converter.

[0044] DC-MMC type converters are also known according to the prior art, comprising three electrical conversion modules connected in cascade in an arm and which can be placed in a degraded operating mode. In this degraded operating mode, the upper and lower conversion modules, however, have negative voltages at their terminals, so that it is necessary to provide them with numerous full-bridge sub-modules.

[0045] On the contrary, the voltage converter according to the invention makes it possible to dispense with the addition of numerous full-bridge topology sub-modules compared to the device according to the prior art. The voltage converter according to the invention is placed in the degraded operating configuration by placing one of the first and second circuit breaker devices in the open position, neither the first electrical conversion module nor the fourth electrical conversion module has a negative voltage at its terminals. Also, it is not necessary to provide the first and fourth electrical conversion modules exclusively with full-bridge type sub-modules.

[0046] Said first and fourth electrical conversion modules of the voltage converter according to the invention preferably comprise one or more half-bridge topology sub-modules. This makes it possible to reduce the number of components compared to a voltage converter whose electrical conversion modules only comprise full-bridge sub-modules. The size and cost of the voltage converter according to the invention are therefore reduced.

[0047] Preferably, the voltage converter comprises a control module for controlling the opening or closing of the circuit breaker devices and the return switch(es).

[0048] Advantageously, said first circuit breaker device is arranged between the upper point of said arm and the first continuous terminal, while the second circuit breaker device is arranged between the lower point of the arm and the second continuous terminal. One advantage is to allow complete disconnection, with respect to the voltage converter, of the first conductive line, and therefore of the first pole, of the first portion of the continuous electrical power supply network. This also allows complete disconnection, with respect to the voltage converter, of the second conductive line, and therefore of the second pole, of the first portion of the continuous electrical power supply network.

[0049] In this embodiment, it is understood that the circuit breaker device is not connected in the arm. Furthermore, the upper point of the arm is then indirectly connected to the first continuous terminal and the lower point of the arm is then indirectly connected to the second continuous terminal.

[0050] Preferably, the voltage converter further comprises at least one decoupling device electrically connected in series with said at least one return switch between said midpoint of the arm and said third DC terminal, said decoupling device being configured to limit the flow of an alternating electric current to said third DC terminal. In addition to protecting the first portion of the DC power supply network against the flow of an alternating current which could damage it, the first decoupling device allows the flow of alternating currents in all of the electrical conversion modules of said at least one arm. These currents allow the exchange of energy between each of the electrical conversion modules of the arm and possibly between the different arms of the voltage converter, which is essential for the energy balance of the voltage converter.

[0051] Preferably, the decoupling device comprises at least one inductor. More preferably, the decoupling device consists of an inductor.

[0052] Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the decoupling device may comprise a chain of sub-modules, in particular a chain of sub-modules with a full bridge topology.

[0053] In a non-limiting manner, the decoupling device may be connected between the return switch and the midpoint of the arm or, alternatively, between the return switch and the third continuous terminal.

[0054] When the voltage converter comprises a plurality of arms, it advantageously comprises a plurality of decoupling devices, each being connected in one of the return connection lines connecting the midpoints of the arms to a junction point electrically connected to the third continuous terminal. The decoupling devices then allow the exchange of energy in the different arms of the voltage converter while preventing the occurrence of a short circuit between the different arms.

[0055] Advantageously, a first controllable return switch is connected in series with the decoupling device, between said decoupling device and said midpoint of the arm, and a second controllable return switch is connected in series with the decoupling device, between said decoupling device and said third continuous terminal.

[0056] In other words, said first and second return switches are arranged on either side of the decoupling device, making it possible to isolate said decoupling device from the voltage converter but also from the first portion of the DC power supply network when they are placed in the open position.

[0057] To place the voltage converter in the normal operating configuration, all of said return switches are placed in the open position.

[0058] Preferably, to place the voltage converter in the degraded operating configuration, all of the first and second return switches are placed in the closed position.

[0059] When the voltage converter comprises a plurality of arms, it preferably comprises a plurality of first return switches, each being connected in a connecting line specific to one of the arms, in series with one of the decoupling devices.

[0060] The voltage converter preferably comprises a single second return switch. When the voltage converter comprises a plurality of arms each with which a decoupling device is associated, said single second return switch is advantageously connected in series with all of said decoupling devices.

[0061] Preferably, the decoupling device is connected to one of the first and second controllable return switches by an electrical connection, said electrical connection having an earth connection point connected to earth via a controllable earthing switch.

[0062] Preferably, but not limited to, in the normal operating configuration of the voltage converter, the grounding switch is placed in the closed position, in order to connect said decoupling device to the ground. One advantage is to avoid keeping said decoupling device floating, which could lead to its accidental charging, in particular in a high voltage environment. Preferably, the grounding switch is also placed in the closed position in the event of maintenance on the decoupling device. Preferably, in the degraded operating configuration of the voltage converter, the grounding switch is placed in the open position, in order not to connect said decoupling device to the ground.

[0063] When the voltage converter comprises a plurality of arms, and therefore a plurality of connecting lines extending between the midpoints of the arms and a junction point, said connection point is advantageously arranged between said junction point and the third continuous terminal.

[0064] The voltage converter preferably comprises a single grounding switch associated with all of the decoupling devices. One advantage is that all of the decoupling devices can be connected to ground easily and quickly by placing said single grounding switch in the closed position.

[0065] Preferably, the voltage converter further comprises at least one first filtering device electrically connected between said first intermediate point of the arm and said fourth DC terminal, said first filtering device being configured to limit the flow of an alternating electric current to said fourth DC terminal.

[0066] In addition to protecting the second portion of the DC power supply network against the circulation of an alternating current which could damage it, the first filtering device allows the circulation of alternating currents in all of the electrical conversion modules of said at least one arm. These alternating currents allow the exchange of energy between each of the electrical conversion modules of the arm and possibly between the different arms of the voltage converter, which guarantees the energy balance of the voltage converter.

[0067] It is understood that the first intermediate point of the arm is then connected to the fourth terminal continues indirectly via said first filtering device.

[0068] Advantageously, when the voltage converter comprises a plurality of arms, the voltage converter comprises a plurality of first filtering devices, each of said first filtering devices being connected between the first intermediate point of an arm and the fourth continuous terminal. In other words, each of the arms is then associated with a first filtering device.

[0069] Preferably, the first filtering device comprises at least one inductor.

[0070] Preferably, the voltage converter further comprises at least one second filtering device electrically connected between said second intermediate point of the arm and said fifth DC terminal, said second filtering device being configured to limit the flow of an alternating electric current to said fifth DC terminal.

[0071] Advantageously, the first filtering device has an adjustable equivalent inductance value. One advantage is being able to adapt the inductance value of the first filtering device when the voltage converter is brought from the normal operating configuration to the degraded operating configuration and vice versa. Indeed, the transition from the normal operating configuration to the degraded operating configuration leads to modifications in the energy exchanges between the electrical conversion modules and possibly between the arms. The possibility of adjusting the equivalent inductance of the first filtering device makes it possible to adapt its value according to the operating configuration. This makes it possible in particular to reduce losses.

[0072] In particular, in the normal operating configuration, the filtering device makes it possible to avoid the circulation of unwanted currents between the phases of the voltage converter. In the degraded operating configuration, the filtering device makes it possible to control the current in the different arms, by adjusting the voltage at their terminals by regulating the number of sub-modules inserted in the corresponding sub-module chain. The possibility of adapting the equivalent inductance value of the filtering device makes it possible to select an optimal inductance value according to the operating configuration.

[0073] Preferably, the first filtering device is configured to insert between said first intermediate point of the arm and said fourth continuous terminal a first equivalent inductance value or a second equivalent inductance value, distinct from the first equivalent inductance value.

[0074] Preferably, the first filtering device is configured so that its equivalent inductance value when the voltage converter is placed in a normal operating configuration is greater than its equivalent inductance value when the voltage converter is placed in a degraded operating configuration in which the first circuit breaker device is placed in the open position.

[0075] Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the first filtering device may be configured so that its equivalent inductance value is adjustable among a range of at least three distinct values.

[0076] Advantageously, said first filtering device comprises a main inductance and a secondary inductance connected in series with each other between the first intermediate point and the fourth continuous terminal, the first filtering device further comprising a disconnecting member connected in parallel with the secondary inductance and capable of taking an open position or a closed position in which said secondary inductance is bypassed.

[0077] When said disconnecting member is placed in the open position, said secondary inductance is inserted in series with said main inductance. The equivalent inductance value of the filtering device is then equal to the sum of the inductance values ​​of the main inductance and the secondary inductance. When the disconnecting member is in the closed position, said secondary inductance is short-circuited and is therefore bypassed. The equivalent inductance value of the filtering device is then equal to the inductance value of the main inductance.

[0078] Preferably, said disconnecting member of the first filtering device is placed in the open position when the voltage converter is placed in the normal operating configuration.

[0079] Advantageously, said disconnecting member of the first filtering device is placed in the closed position when the voltage converter is placed in a degraded operating configuration in which the first circuit breaker device is placed in the open position.

[0080] Preferably, at least 10% of the sub-modules of the first and fourth electrical conversion modules have a half-bridge topology. One advantage is to reduce the number of sub-modules having a full-bridge topology by using half-full sub-modules instead. This is made possible by the architecture of the voltage converter according to the invention, in which the first and fourth electrical conversion modules do not have a negative voltage at their terminals when the voltage converter is placed in the degraded operating configuration.

[0081] The size and cost of the voltage converter are reduced and control of the converter is facilitated.

[0082] Preferably, the voltage converter comprises a plurality of arms connected in parallel with each other, each arm comprising an upper point and a lower point between which it extends, the upper point of each of the arms being electrically connected to the first continuous terminal while the lower point of each of the arms is electrically connected to the second continuous terminal, each arm comprising a first electrical conversion module electrically connected between the upper point and a first intermediate point of said arm, a second electrical conversion module electrically connected between said first intermediate point and a midpoint of said arm, a third electrical conversion module electrically connected between said midpoint and a second intermediate point of said arm, and a fourth electrical conversion module electrically connected between said second intermediate point and said lower point of the arm, the first intermediate point of each of the arms being electrically connected to the fourth continuous terminal while the second intermediate point of each of the arms is electrically connected to the fifth continuous terminal,the voltage converter comprising a plurality of filtering devices, a filtering device being electrically connected between the fourth DC terminal and the first intermediate point of each of the arms as well as between the fifth DC terminal and the second intermediate point of each of the arms, each of the arms being associated with a return connection line each extending between the midpoint of one of the arms and a junction point electrically connected to said third DC terminal, at least one controllable return switch being connected between the midpoint of said arms and said third DC terminal, said at least one return switch being able to take an open position and a closed position, the voltage converter further comprising a plurality of decoupling devices, a decoupling device being electrically connected in each of the return connection lines,in series with at least one controllable return switch, between the midpoint of the corresponding arm and said third continuous terminal, each of the first, second, third and fourth electrical conversion modules comprising a chain of controllable sub-modules.,

[0083] Advantageously, the upper points of each of the arms are connected to each other and form the same electrical node. Advantageously, the lower points of each of the arms are connected to each other and form the same electrical node.

[0084] It is understood that each of the chains of sub-modules of the electrical conversion modules comprises sub-modules that can be individually controlled by a control member specific to each sub-module, each sub-module comprising a capacitor, the control member of each sub-module being able to take at least a first state in which the capacitor is inserted into the chain of sub-modules and a second state in which the capacitor is not inserted into said chain of sub-modules.

[0085] Preferably, in each of the arms, at least one of the conversion modules electrical comprises an inductor connected in series with the chain of sub-modules of said electrical conversion module.

[0086] Said return connection lines are connected to each other by the junction point. The junction point may be the same as or separate from the third continuous terminal. The junction point may be connected directly to the third continuous terminal. Preferably, the junction point is connected indirectly to the third continuous terminal, via a return switch.

[0087] Preferably, but in a non-limiting manner, the voltage converter comprises a return switch which is connected in series with all of the decoupling devices. This return switch is advantageously connected between the junction point of the return connection lines and the third DC terminal. In other words, placing this return switch in the open position causes the disconnection of all of the decoupling devices with respect to the return line of the first portion of the AC power supply network.

[0088] Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, at least one return switch may be connected in each of the return connection lines, each of said return switches being connected in series with the decoupling device connected in the corresponding return connection line. The voltage converter then comprises a plurality of second return switches.

[0089] The voltage converter preferably comprises at least two arms connected in parallel, more preferably at least three arms connected in parallel, more preferably exactly three arms connected in parallel.

[0090] The invention further relates to a method for controlling a voltage converter as described above, in which the voltage converter can be placed in a normal operating configuration or in at least one degraded operating configuration, and in which, to place the converter in said normal operating configuration, the first and second circuit breaker devices are placed in the closed position and the return switch(es) are placed in the open position, so as to disconnect the midpoint of the arm of the voltage converter from the return line of the first portion of the DC power supply network.

[0091] The voltage converter can be placed in a first degraded operating configuration, in which the first circuit breaker device is placed in the open position, and in a second degraded operating configuration, in which the second circuit breaker device is placed in the open position.

[0092] In the degraded operating configuration, one of the first and second poles of the first portion of the continuous electrical power supply network of bipole topology is disconnected from the voltage converter. The energy exchanges are continued between the other pole, also called the healthy pole, and the second portion of the continuous power supply network.

[0093] Preferably, to place said voltage converter in said degraded operating configuration: - one of the first and second circuit breaker devices is placed in the open position - the return switch(es) are placed in the closed position so as to electrically connect the midpoint of the arm to the return line of the first portion of the continuous power supply network.

[0094] Advantageously, the voltage converter comprises at least one decoupling device electrically connected between said midpoint of the arm and said third DC terminal, said decoupling device being configured to limit the flow of an alternating electric current to said third DC terminal, a first controllable return switch being connected between said decoupling device and said midpoint of the arm, a second controllable return switch being connected between said decoupling device and said third DC terminal, the decoupling device being connected to one of the first and second controllable return switches by an electrical connection, said electrical connection having an earth connection point connected to earth via a controllable earthing switch, and to place the voltage converter in the normal operating configuration,the grounding switch(es) are placed in the closed position.

[0095] The decoupling device is then connected to ground.

[0096] It is understood that in the normal operating configuration, the first and second return switches are placed in the open position, so that the decoupling device is isolated from the arm of the voltage converter and from the return line of the first portion of the DC power supply network.

[0097] Preferably, to place the voltage converter in said at least one degraded operating configuration, the earthing switch(es) are placed in the open position. The decoupling device is then no longer connected to earth.

[0098] Advantageously, the voltage converter further comprises at least a first filtering device comprising a main inductance and a secondary inductance connected in series between the first intermediate point and the fourth continuous terminal, the first filtering device further comprising a disconnecting member connected in parallel with the secondary inductance and capable of taking a closed position in which said secondary inductance is bypassed, the voltage converter further comprising a second filtering device comprising a main inductance and a secondary inductance connected in series between the second intermediate point and the fifth continuous terminal, the second filtering device further comprising a disconnecting member connected in parallel with the secondary inductance and capable of taking a closed position in which said secondary inductance of the second filtering device is bypassed, and, to place the voltage converter in the normal operating configuration, said disconnecting members of the first and second filtering devices are placed in the open position.

[0099] In this normal operating configuration, the secondary inductances of the first and second filtering devices are inserted in series with the main inductances and the equivalent inductance value of the first and second filtering devices is maximum.

[0100] Preferably, to place the voltage converter in said at least one degraded operating configuration, the disconnecting member of one of the first and second filtering devices is placed in the closed position. Also, the secondary inductance of said filtering device is bypassed and the equivalent inductance value of this filtering device is reduced, and is minimal.

[0101] Preferably, the disconnecting member of the first filtering device is placed in the closed position, when the voltage converter is placed in a degraded operating configuration in which the first circuit breaker device is placed in the open position.

[0102] Preferably, the disconnecting member of the second filtering device is placed in the closed position, when the voltage converter is placed in a degraded operating configuration in which the second circuit breaker device is placed in the open position.

[0103] The invention also relates to a high voltage direct current transmission installation comprising: - a first portion of a continuous electrical power supply network of bipole topology comprising a first conductive line, a second conductive line and a return line; - a second portion of continuous power supply network of monopoly topology; and - at least one voltage converter as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0104] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples, with reference to attached drawings, on which:

[0105] [Fig.l][Fig.l] illustrates a high voltage direct current transmission installation according to the invention;

[0106] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates a first embodiment of a voltage converter according to the invention in a normal operating configuration;

[0107] [Fig.3][Fig.3] illustrates a sub-module, of half-bridge topology, of the voltage converter of [Fig.2];

[0108] [Fig.4][Fig.4] illustrates a sub-module, of full bridge topology, of the voltage converter of [Fig.2];

[0109] [Fig.5][Fig.5] illustrates the voltage converter of [Fig.2] in a degraded operating configuration, where a first pole is disconnected;

[0110] [Fig.6][Fig.6] illustrates a second embodiment of a voltage converter according to the invention in a normal operating configuration;

[0111] [Fig.7][Fig.7] illustrates the voltage converter of [Fig.6] in a degraded operating configuration; and

[0112] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates a third embodiment of a voltage converter according to the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0113] The invention relates to a DC / DC voltage converter, in particular a voltage converter particularly suitable for being installed in an HVDC installation. Such a voltage converter is configured to convert a first DC voltage U1 into a second DC voltage U2 and vice versa. The invention relates more specifically to a reconfigurable voltage converter which can be placed in a normal operating configuration and in a degraded operating configuration. The invention further relates to a high-voltage DC current transmission installation comprising such a voltage converter as well as to a method for controlling such a voltage converter.

[0114] [Fig.l] illustrates a high-voltage direct current transmission installation 8 comprising a voltage converter 10 according to the invention. This installation 8 comprises a first portion of electrical power supply network 60 and a second portion of direct current power supply network 70. The first portion of direct current power supply network 60 is of bipole topology. It comprises a first conductive line 61, a second conductive line 62 and a return line 63. The first and second conductive lines 61, 62 are also called conductors. The first portion of direct current power supply network 60 comprises a first pole 64 formed by the first conductive line 61 and the return line 63, as well as a second pole 65 formed by the second conductive line 62 and the return line 63. In this non-limiting example, the return line 63 is a metallic return line. Said return line 63 is a low-voltage line.

[0115] The first portion of the continuous electrical power supply network 60 comprises a first station 66, a second station 67, a third station 68 and a fourth station 69 each formed by an AC / DC voltage converter. The first and second stations 66, 67 are electrically connected to each other by the first conductive line 61 and by the return line 63. The third and fourth stations 68, 69 are electrically connected to each other by the second conductive line 62 and by the return line 63.

[0116] The second portion of the DC power supply network 70 is of symmetrical monopole topology. Without departing from the scope of the invention, said second portion of the DC power supply network 70 could be of asymmetrical monopole topology. It comprises a first conductive line 71 and a second conductive line 72. The first and second conductive lines 71, 72 are also called conductors. The second portion of the DC power supply network 70 comprises a single pole 74 formed by the first conductive line 71 and the second conductive line 72. The second portion of the DC power supply network 70 comprises a first station 76 and a second station 77 connected to each other by the first and second conductive lines 71, 72.

[0117] The voltage converter 10 connects the first and second portions of the direct current power supply network 60, 70 to each other.

[0118] [Fig.2] illustrates a first embodiment of a voltage converter 10 according to the invention. This voltage converter 10 comprises a first DC terminal 11, a second DC terminal 12, a third DC terminal 13, a fourth DC terminal 14 and a fifth DC terminal 15. The first, second and third DC terminals 11, 12, 13 are configured to be electrically connected to the first portion of DC power supply network 60, while the fourth and fifth DC terminals 14, 15 are configured to be electrically connected to the second portion of DC power supply network 70.

[0119] More precisely, the first and second continuous terminals 11, 12 are configured to be connected respectively to the first and second conductive lines 61, 62 of the first portion of continuous electrical power supply network 60 and the third continuous terminal 13 is configured to be connected to the return line 63. The fourth and fifth continuous terminals 14, 15 are configured to be connected to the first and second conductive lines 71, 72 of the second portion of continuous electrical power supply network 70.

[0120] In this first embodiment, the voltage converter 10 comprises a single arm 16 comprising an upper point 16a and a lower point 16b between which it extends. The arm 16 comprises, in addition to a first intermediate point 16c, a second intermediate point 16d and a midpoint 16e. The arm 16 comprises four electrical conversion modules. More specifically, it comprises a first electrical conversion module 18 electrically connected between the upper point 16a and the first intermediate point 16c of the arm. It further comprises a second electrical conversion module 20 electrically connected between said first intermediate point 16c and the midpoint 16e of the arm 16. It further comprises a third electrical conversion module 22 electrically connected between said midpoint 16e and the second intermediate point 16d of the arm. It finally comprises a fourth electrical conversion module 24 electrically connected between said second intermediate point 16d and said lower point 16b of the arm 16.In other words, the four electrical conversion modules 18,20,22,24 are connected in cascade in the arm.

[0121] Each of the first, second, third and fourth electrical conversion modules 18, 20, 22, 24 comprises a chain of SM sub-modules. These SM sub-modules are connected in series with each other in the arm 16. The SM sub-modules are individually controllable according to a desired sequence in order to modify the voltage across each of the chains of sub-modules. Each chain of SM sub-modules can be modeled by a controllable voltage source capable of generating a voltage across its terminals depending on the number of capacitors inserted and placed in series in said chain of sub-modules.

[0122] [Fig. 3] illustrates a sub-module SM having a half-bridge topology. This sub-module SM comprises a capacitor CSm, and a control member T1, T2 for individually controlling the sub-module SM. In a non-limiting manner, the control member T1, T2 comprises a first electronic switching element T1 such as an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) connected in series with the capacitor CSm. This first switching element T1 and this capacitor CSm are connected in parallel with a second electronic switching element T2, which may also be an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). This second electronic switching element T2 is connected between the input and output terminals of the sub-module SM. The first and second switching elements T1 and T2 are both associated with an antiparallel diode D shown in [Fig. 3].In a non-limiting manner, the switching elements could be of the IGBT, MOSFET or IGCT type.

[0123] The control member T1,T2 of each sub-module SM can take a first state in which the capacitor CSm is inserted in the corresponding chain of sub-modules and a second state in which the capacitor is not inserted in said chain of sub-modules. In a non-limiting manner, the control member T1,T2 can further taking an uncontrolled state in which the first and second switching elements T1,T2 are open so that the insertion of the capacitor CSm depends on the sign of the current flowing in the corresponding half-arm, taking into account the anti-parallel diodes.

[0124] [Fig.4] illustrates a full-bridge topology sub-module. In this topology, the sub-module comprises four switching elements T'1, T'2, T'3, T'4, each associated in parallel with an antiparallel diode D.

[0125] In the example of [Fig.2], the second and third electrical conversion modules 20, 22 only comprise half-bridge topology sub-modules. Furthermore, the first and fourth electrical conversion modules comprise a combination of half-bridge sub-modules and full-bridge sub-modules.

[0126] As can be seen in [Fig.2], an inductance 26 is connected in series with the sub-modules of the first electrical conversion module 18, between said sub-modules and the upper point 16a of the arm. Another inductance 26 is connected in series with the sub-modules of the fourth electrical conversion module 24, between said sub-modules and the lower point 16b of the arm 16. These inductances 26 allow the generation and circulation of an electric current in the arm, thus allowing the exchange of energy between the four electrical conversion modules.

[0127] According to the invention, the voltage converter 10 comprises a first controllable circuit breaker device 30 and a second controllable circuit breaker device 32. The first circuit breaker device 30 is connected in series with the first electrical conversion module 18 between the first intermediate point 16c of said arm 16 and the first DC terminal 11. More precisely, in this non-limiting example, the first circuit breaker device 30 is connected between the upper point 16a of the arm and the first DC terminal 11. The first circuit breaker device 30 is therefore arranged between the first electrical conversion module 18 and the first DC terminal 11. The second circuit breaker device 32 is connected in series with the fourth electrical conversion module 24 between the second intermediate point 16d of said arm 16 and the second DC terminal 12.More specifically, in this non-limiting example, the second circuit breaker device 32 is connected between the lower point 16b of the arm and the second continuous terminal 12. The second circuit breaker device 32 is therefore arranged between the fourth electrical conversion module 24 and the second continuous terminal 12.

[0128] In this non-limiting example, the first and second circuit breaker devices 30, 32 each consist of a switch. The first and second circuit breaker devices circuits 30,32 can take an open position and a closed position, corresponding to the open or closed position of the switch constituting them.

[0129] Alternatively, the first circuit breaker device 30 may be connected in an arm, as will be detailed with reference to the embodiment of [Fig.8].

[0130] According to the invention, the midpoint 16e of the arm is electrically connected to the third DC terminal 13. The voltage converter comprises a connecting line 28 connecting said midpoint 16e and a junction point 29 which here coincides with said third DC terminal 13. The voltage converter 10 comprises a decoupling device 34 connected in said connecting line 28 between the midpoint 16e of the arm 16 and the third DC terminal 13. The decoupling device 34 consists in this non-limiting example of an inductance connected in said connecting line 28. The decoupling device 34 makes it possible to limit the circulation of an alternating electric current towards said third DC terminal 13.

[0131] The voltage converter 10 further comprises a first return switch 36 connected in series in said connection line 28 between the midpoint of the arm 16e and the decoupling device 34. The voltage converter further comprises a second return switch 38 connected in series with the decoupling device and the first return switch, in said connection line 28 between the decoupling device 34 and the third continuous terminal 13. The decoupling device 34 is therefore arranged between the first return switch 36 and the second return switch 38.

[0132] Furthermore, the decoupling device 34 and the first return switch 36 are connected to each other by an electrical connection 31 having an earth connection point 40. In a non-limiting manner, this earth connection point 40 is therefore arranged between the decoupling device 34 and the first return switch 36. This earth connection point 40 is connected to the earth via a controllable earthing switch 42.

[0133] In this non-limiting example, the midpoint 16e of the arm 16 and the third continuous terminal 13 are connected to each other indirectly, via the first and second return switches 36, 38 and the decoupling device 34.

[0134] The voltage converter further comprises a first filtering device 44 and a second filtering device 46. The first filtering device 44 is connected between the first intermediate point 16c of the arm 16 and the fourth DC terminal 14. The second filtering device 46 is connected between the second intermediate point 16d of the arm 16 and the fifth DC terminal 15. The first intermediate point 16c of the arm is therefore electrically connected to the fourth DC terminal 14, here indirectly via the first filtering device 44. Similarly, the second intermediate point 16d of the arm is electrically connected to the fifth continuous terminal 15, here indirectly via the second filtering device 46.

[0135] In a non-limiting manner, the first and second filtering devices 44, 46 are identical. They each comprise a main inductance 48 and a secondary inductance 50 connected in series with each other at the first intermediate point 16c, respectively the second intermediate point 16d, and the fourth continuous terminal 14, respectively the fifth continuous terminal 15. The first and second filtering devices 44, 46 each further comprise a disconnecting member 52, here consisting of a switch, connected in parallel with the secondary inductance 50. The disconnecting member 52 is configured to take an open position or a closed position. In the open position of the disconnecting member 52, the secondary inductance 50 is inserted in series with the main inductance 48. In the closed position of the disconnecting member 52, the secondary inductance 50 is short-circuited and therefore bypassed.One interest is to be able to adjust the equivalent inductance value of the filtering devices 44,46. .

[0136] The voltage converter 10 is configured to convert a first DC voltage U1 between the first and second conductive lines 61, 62 of the first portion of DC power supply network 60 into a second DC voltage U2 between the first and second conductive lines 71, 72 of the second portion of DC power supply network 70, and vice versa.

[0137] In this non-limiting example of [Fig.2], where the voltage converter 10 comprises only one arm 16, DC filters 73 are connected between the first and third DC terminals 11, 13, between the third and second DC terminals 13, 12 and between the fourth and fifth DC terminals 14, 15.

[0138] The voltage converter 10 further comprises a control module 100 configured to control the first and second circuit breaker devices 30, 32, the first and second return switches 36, 38, the earthing switch 42 and the disconnecting members 52 of the first and second filtering devices 44, 46. The control module 100 also controls the control members T1, T2, T'1 T'2, T'3, T'4 of the sub-modules of the electrical conversion modules 18, 20, 22, 24.

[0139] In the example of [Fig.2], the voltage converter 10 is placed in a normal operating configuration, here by means of the control device 100. The first and second poles 64, 65 of the first portion of the DC power supply network 60 are healthy and operational. The voltage converter ensures the energy exchanges between the first portion of the DC power supply network 60 and the second portion of the DC power supply network 70.

[0140] In this normal operating configuration of the voltage converter 10, the first and second circuit breaker devices 30, 32 are placed in the closed position, so that the first conductive line 61 and the second conductive line 62 of the first portion of the direct current power supply network 60 are electrically connected to the arm 16 of the voltage converter.

[0141] Furthermore, in this normal operating configuration, the first and second return switches 36, 38 are placed in the open position so as to disconnect the return line 63 from the first portion of the DC power supply network 60 relative to the arm 16. The decoupling device 34 is further disconnected from the first portion of the DC power supply network 60 and from the arm 16 and is therefore isolated from the latter. The grounding switch 42 is further placed in the closed position, so that the decoupling device 34 is electrically connected to the ground. In this embodiment where the voltage converter 10 comprises only one arm 16, the opening of the two return switches 36, 38 makes it possible to disconnect the midpoint 16e of the arm 16 relative to the ground, while avoiding keeping a terminal of the decoupling device 34 connected to a variable potential.

[0142] Furthermore, in this normal operating configuration, the disconnecting members 52 of the first and second filtering devices 44, 46 are placed in the open position so that the secondary inductances 50 are inserted in series with the main inductances 48. The equivalent inductance value of the first filtering device 44 is therefore equal to the sum of the inductance values ​​of the main inductance 48 and the secondary inductance 50. The equivalent inductance value of the first filtering device 44 is therefore maximum. One advantage is to reduce the intensity of the internal AC current, and consequently the associated losses. The same is true for the second filtering device 46.

[0143] The voltage converter 10 can also be placed in a degraded operating configuration illustrated in [Fig. 5]. In the example of [Fig. 5], the first pole 64 of the first portion of the DC power supply network 60 is considered to be faulty, for example due to a breakdown or disturbance on this portion of the network, and must be disconnected from the electrical conversion modules 18, 20, 22, 24 of the voltage converter. Alternatively, the disconnection of this first pole could be commanded to carry out maintenance operations. To place the voltage converter 10 in a degraded operating configuration, the first circuit breaker device 30 is placed in the open position in order to interrupt the connection of the first conductive line of the first portion of the DC power supply network 60 relative to the arm 16 and to the electrical conversion modules that it comprises.The first pole 64 is therefore disconnected from the arm and the electrical conversion modules. At the same time, the second circuit breaker device 32 is held in the closed position in order to maintain the second pole 65. connected to the arm 16. In addition, the first and second return switches 36, 38 are placed in the closed position, in order to connect the midpoint 16e of the arm 16 to the return line 63 of the first portion of the continuous power supply network, via the decoupling device 34.

[0144] From then on, the first electrical conversion module 18 is no longer crossed by a current and the voltage converter 10 behaves as if the first electrical conversion module 18 were disconnected from the arm 16. Only the second pole 65 of the first portion of the DC power supply network 60 exchanges energy with the second portion of the DC power supply network 70. The power received by the second portion of the DC power supply network 70 is then approximately equal to half the power that it receives when the voltage converter is in the normal operating configuration. The circulation of the DC current iDC in this degraded operating configuration is illustrated in this figure. It can be seen that this DC current iDC flows from the third terminal 13 to the second DC terminal 12.Furthermore, an alternating current flows in the loop formed by the DC filter 73, the decoupling device 34 and the third and fourth electrical conversion modules 22, 24.

[0145] Furthermore, in this degraded operating configuration, the first electrical conversion module 18 is not used, so that it is sufficient to provide this first electrical conversion module 18 with half-bridge sub-modules SM. It is not necessary to include in this first electrical conversion module 18 full-bridge sub-modules, unlike the converters of the prior art.

[0146] Furthermore, in this degraded operating configuration illustrated in [Fig.5], the disconnecting member 52 of the first filtering device 44 is placed in the closed position in order to bypass the secondary inductance 50 of the first filtering device. The equivalent inductance value of the first filtering device 44 is therefore reduced. One advantage is to adapt the equivalent inductance value to the operating configuration, in order to reduce losses. The disconnecting member 52 of the second filtering device 46 is held in the open position in order to insert the secondary inductance 50 in series with the primary inductance of the second filtering device 46.

[0147] Without departing from the scope of the invention, it could be decided to place the voltage converter in another degraded operating configuration, in which the second pole 65 of the first portion of the DC power supply network 60 would be disconnected from the arm 16 and the conversion modules 18, 20, 22, 24 of the voltage converter. To do this, the second circuit breaker device 32 is placed in the open position and the first circuit breaker device 30 is kept in the closed position. In addition, the first and second return switches 36, 38 are also placed in the closed position. The disconnecting member 52 of the first circuit breaker device 30 is placed in the open position. filtering device 44 is then placed in the open position while the disconnecting member 52 of the second filtering device 46 is placed in the closed position.

[0148] [Fig. 6] illustrates a second embodiment of a voltage converter 10 according to the invention. In this second embodiment, the voltage converter comprises three arms 16, 16', 16” connected in parallel to each other, between an upper point 16a and a lower point 16b. As in the previous example, the arms each comprise a first intermediate point 16c, 16'c, 16”c, a second intermediate point 16d, 16'd, 16”d and a midpoint 16e, 16'e', 16”e. Each arm also comprises four electrical conversion modules 18, 20, 22, 24.

[0149] The voltage converter 10 comprises three return connection lines 28,28',28” each extending between a midpoint 16e,16'e,16”e of one of the arms 16,16',16” and a junction point 29 common to each of the connection lines. The voltage converter 10 comprises three decoupling devices 34,34',34”, each being connected in one of the connection lines 28,28',28”.

[0150] The voltage converter 10 further comprises a first three return switches 36,36',36”, each being connected in series with a decoupling device 34,34',34” in one of the return connection lines 28,28',28”.

[0151] In this non-limiting example, the voltage converter comprises a single second return switch 38 connected between the junction point 29 and the third DC terminal 13, in series with all of the decoupling devices 34, 34', 34”. Therefore, placing said second return switch 38 in the open position makes it possible to disconnect the return line 63 from the first portion of the DC power supply network 60 with respect to the decoupling devices 34, 34', 34” and the arms 16, 16', 16”. Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the voltage converter may comprise three second return switches, each being connected in one of the return connection lines 28, 28', 28”, between the corresponding decoupling device and the junction point 29.

[0152] Furthermore, the second return switch 38 is connected to the junction point 29 by an electrical connection 31 having an earth connection point 40 connected to the earth via a controllable earthing switch 42.

[0153] In this second embodiment, the voltage converter further comprises three first filtering devices 44, 44', 44” identical to the first filtering device of the first embodiment. The voltage converter further comprises three second filtering devices 46, 46', 46” identical to the second filtering device of the first embodiment. Each of the first filtering devices 44, 44', 44” is connected between the first intermediate point 16c, 16'c, 16”c of one of the arms 16, 16', 16” and the fourth continuous terminal 14. Each of the second filtering devices 46, 46', 46” is connected between the second intermediate point 16d, 16'd, 16”d of one of the arms 16,16',16” and the fifth terminal continues 15.

[0154] In this second embodiment, the voltage converter is not provided with a DC filter between the first and third DC terminals 11, 13, between the third and second DC terminals 13, 12 and between the fourth and fifth DC terminals of the voltage converter 10. Indeed, in this embodiment, the sub-modules are controlled so that the sum of the alternating currents of the arms is zero at each instant.

[0155] In the normal operating configuration, illustrated in [Fig.6], the set of first return switches 36,36',36” and the second return switch 38 are placed in the open position. The opening of these first return switches 36,36',36” makes it possible to prevent the circulation of unwanted currents between the arms 16,16',16” of the voltage converter. In addition, the set of disconnecting members 52 of the filtering devices 44,44',44”,46,46',46” are placed in the open position in order to insert the secondary inductances 50 in series with the main inductances 48.

[0156] In [Fig. 7], a degraded operating configuration is illustrated in which the first circuit breaker device 30 is placed in the open position in order to disconnect the first pole 64 of the first portion of the DC power supply network 60 relative to the arms 16, 16', 16”. To place the voltage converter in this degraded operating configuration, the set of first return switches 36, 36', 36” and the second return switch 38 are also placed in the closed position. The disconnecting members 52 of the first filtering devices 44, 44', 44” are also placed in the closed position in order to bypass the corresponding secondary inductances 50 and the disconnecting members of the second filtering devices 46, 46', 46” are placed in the open position.

[0157] [Fig.8] illustrates a third embodiment of a voltage converter 10 according to the invention. In this variant, the voltage converter 10 comprises three first circuit breaker devices 30,30',30”, each being connected in an arm 16, 16',16” of its own, in series with the first electrical conversion module of said arm. In other words, each of the first circuit breaker devices 30,30',30” is connected between the first intermediate point 16c,16'c,16”c of an arm and the upper point 16a. Furthermore, in this variant, the voltage converter 10 comprises three second circuit breaker devices 32,32',32”, each being connected in an arm 16,16',16” of its own, in series with the fourth electrical conversion module of said arm. In other words, each of the second circuit breaker devices 32, 32', 32” is connected between the second intermediate point 16d, 16'd, 16”d of an arm and the lower point 16b.

Claims

1. Claims Voltage converter (10) for converting a first direct voltage (U1) into a second direct voltage (U2) and vice versa, the voltage converter comprising: - first (11), second (12) and third (13) continuous terminals configured to be electrically connected respectively to a first conductive line (61), a second conductive line (62) and a return line (63) of a first portion of continuous electrical power supply network (60) of bipole topology; - fourth (14) and fifth (15) continuous terminals configured to be electrically connected to a second portion of continuous electrical power supply network (70) of monopole topology; - at least one arm (16,16',16”) comprising at least one upper point (16a) and one lower point (16b) between which it extends, the upper point being electrically connected to the first continuous terminal while the lower point is electrically connected to the second continuous terminal, said at least one arm comprising a first electrical conversion module (18) electrically connected between the upper point and a first intermediate point (16c,16'c,16”c) of the arm, a second electrical conversion module (20) electrically connected between said first intermediate point and a midpoint (16e,16'e,16”e) of the arm, a third electrical conversion module (22) electrically connected between said midpoint and a second intermediate point (16d,16'd,16”d) of the arm, and a fourth electrical conversion module (24) electrically connected between said second intermediate point and said lower point of the arm,the first intermediate point of the arm being electrically connected to the fourth continuous terminal while the second intermediate point of the arm is electrically connected to the fifth continuous terminal, the midpoint being electrically connected to said third continuous terminal, at least one controllable return switch (36,36',36”,38) being connected between said midpoint and said third continuous terminal, said return switch being able to take an open position and a closed position, each of the first, second, third and fourth electrical conversion modules comprising a chain of sub-modules (SM) individually controllable by a control member, (T1,T2,T' 1,T'2,T'3,T'4) specific to each sub-module and each sub- module comprising a capacitor (CSM), the control member of each sub-module being able to take at least a first state in which the capacitor is inserted in the chain of sub-modules and a second state in which the capacitor is not inserted in said chain of sub-modules, at least one of the electrical conversion modules comprising an inductor (26) connected in series with the chain of sub-modules of said electrical conversion module; - at least one first controllable circuit breaker device (30,30',30”) connected in series with the first electrical conversion module between the first intermediate point of said arm and the first continuous terminal, the first circuit breaker device being able to take an open position and a closed position;and - at least one second controllable circuit breaker device (32,32',32”) connected in series with the fourth electrical conversion module between the second intermediate point of said arm and the second continuous terminal, the second circuit breaker device being able to take an open position and a closed position.;

2. Converter according to claim 1, wherein said first circuit breaker device (30) is disposed between the upper point (16a) of said arm (16,16', 16”) and the first continuous terminal (11), while the second circuit breaker device (32) is disposed between the lower point (16b) of the arm and the second continuous terminal (12).

3. A voltage converter according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one decoupling device (34,34',34”) electrically connected in series with said at least one return switch (36,36',36”,38) between said midpoint (16e,16'e,16”e) of the arm (16,16',16”) and said third DC terminal (13), said decoupling device being configured to limit the flow of an alternating electric current to said third DC terminal.

4. A voltage converter according to claim 3, wherein a first controllable return switch (36,36',36”) is connected in series with the decoupling device (34,34',34”), between said decoupling device and said midpoint (16e,16'e,16”e) of the arm (16,16',16”), and wherein a second controllable return switch (38) is connected in series with the decoupling device, between said decoupling device and said third DC terminal (13).

5. A voltage converter according to claim 4, wherein the decoupling device (34,34',34”) is connected to one of the first and second controllable return switches by an electrical connection (31), said electrical connection having a ground connection point (40) connected to ground via a controllable grounding switch (42).

6. Voltage converter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one first filtering device (44,44',44”) electrically connected between said first intermediate point (16c,16'c,16”c) of the arm (16,16',16”) and said fourth DC terminal (14), said first filtering device being configured to limit the flow of an alternating electric current to said fourth DC terminal.

7. A voltage converter according to claim 6, wherein the first filtering device (44,44',44”) has an adjustable equivalent inductance value.

8. A voltage converter according to claim 7, wherein said first filtering device (44,44',44”) comprises a main inductor (48) and a secondary inductor (50) connected in series with each other between the first intermediate point (16c,16'c,16”c) and the fourth continuous terminal (14), the first filtering device further comprising a disconnecting member (52) connected in parallel with the secondary inductor and capable of taking an open position or a closed position in which said secondary inductor is bypassed.

9. Voltage converter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least 10% of the sub-modules (SM) of the first (18) and fourth (24) electrical conversion modules have a half-bridge topology.

10. A voltage converter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a plurality of arms (16,16',16”) connected in parallel with each other, each arm comprising an upper point (16a) and a lower point (16b) between which it extends, the upper point of each of the arms being electrically connected to the first continuous terminal (11) while the lower point of each of the arms is electrically connected to the second continuous terminal (12), each arm comprising a first electrical conversion module (18) electrically connected between the upper point and a first intermediate point (16c,16'c,16”c) of said arm, a second conversion module electrical converter (20) electrically connected between said first intermediate point and a midpoint (16e, 16'e, 16”e) of said arm, a third electrical conversion module (22) electrically connected between said midpoint and a second intermediate point (16d, 16'd, 16”d) of said arm, and a fourth electrical conversion module (24) electrically connected between said second intermediate point and said lower point of the arm, the first intermediate point of each of the arms being electrically connected to the fourth DC terminal (14) while the second intermediate point of each of the arms is electrically connected to the fifth DC terminal (15), the voltage converter comprising a plurality of filtering devices (44, 44', 44”),a filtering device being electrically connected between the fourth continuous terminal and the first intermediate point of each of the arms as well as between the fifth continuous terminal and the second intermediate point of each of the arms, each of the arms being associated with a return connection line (28,28',28”) each extending between the midpoint of one of the arms and a junction point (29) electrically connected to said third continuous terminal (13), at least one controllable return switch (36,36',36”,38) being connected between the midpoint of said arms and said third continuous terminal, said at least one return switch being able to take an open position and a closed position, the voltage converter further comprising a plurality of decoupling devices, (34,34',34”), a decoupling device being electrically connected in each of the return connection lines, in series with at least one controllable return switch, between the midpoint of the corresponding arm and said third continuous terminal, each of the first, second, third and fourth electrical conversion modules comprising a chain of controllable sub-modules (SM).

11. A method of controlling a voltage converter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the voltage converter (10) can be placed in a normal operating configuration or in at least one degraded operating configuration, and wherein, to place the converter in said normal operating configuration, the first (30,30',30”) and second (32,32',32”) circuit breaker devices are placed in the closed position and the return switch(es) (36,36',36”,38) are placed in the open position, so as to disconnect the midpoint (16e,16'e,16”e) of the arm of the voltage converter with respect to the return line (63) of the first portion of the direct current power supply network (60).

12. Control method according to claim 11, wherein, to place said voltage converter (10) in said degraded operating configuration: - one of the first (30,30',30”) and second (32,32',32”) circuit breaker devices is placed in the open position; - the return switch(es) (36,36',36”,38) is placed in the closed position so as to electrically connect the midpoint (16e,16'e,16”e) of the arm (16,16',16”) to the return line (63) of the first portion of the DC power supply network (60).

13. A control method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the voltage converter (60) comprises at least one decoupling device (34,34',34”) electrically connected between said midpoint (16e,16'e,16”e) of the arm (16,16',16”) and said third DC terminal (13), said decoupling device being configured to limit the flow of an alternating electric current to said third DC terminal, wherein a first controllable return switch (36,36',36”) is connected between said decoupling device and said midpoint of the arm, wherein a second controllable return switch (38) is connected between said decoupling device and said third DC terminal, wherein the decoupling device is connected to one of the first and second controllable return switches by an electrical connection (31),said electrical connection having a ground connection point (40) connected to ground via a controllable grounding switch (42), and in which, to place the voltage converter in the normal operating configuration, the grounding switch(es) are placed in the closed position.,

14. Control method according to claim 13, in which, to place the voltage converter (10) in said at least one degraded operating configuration, the grounding switch(es) (42) are placed in the open position.

15. A control method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the voltage converter (10) further comprises at least one first filtering device (44,44',44”) comprising a main inductor (48) and a secondary inductor (50) connected in series between the first intermediate point (16c,16'c,16”c) and the fourth DC terminal (14), the first filtering device further comprising a disconnecting member (52) connected in parallel with the secondary inductance and capable of taking a closed position in which said secondary inductance is bypassed, wherein the voltage converter further comprises a second filtering device (46,46',46”) comprising a main inductance and a secondary inductance connected in series between the second intermediate point (16d,16'd,16”d) and the fifth DC terminal (15), the second filtering device further comprising a disconnecting member connected in parallel with the secondary inductance and capable of taking a closed position in which said secondary inductance of the second filtering device is bypassed, and wherein, to place the voltage converter in the normal operating configuration,said disconnecting members of the first and second filtering devices are placed in the open position.

16. Control method according to claim 15, in which, to place the voltage converter (10) in said at least one degraded operating configuration, the disconnecting member (52) of one of the first and second filtering devices (44,44',44”,46,46',46”) is placed in the closed position.

17. High voltage direct current transmission installation (8) comprising: - a first portion of continuous electrical power supply network (60) of bipole topology comprising a first conductive line (61), a second conductive line (62) and a return line (63); - a second portion of continuous power supply network (70) of monopoly topology; and - at least one voltage converter (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the first (11), second (12) and third (13) DC terminals of the voltage converter being electrically connected respectively to the first conductive line, the second conductive line and the return line of the first portion of DC power supply network, while the fourth (14) and fifth (15) DC terminals of the first voltage converter are electrically connected to the second portion of DC power supply network.

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