Modular power conversion system and method

[0009]In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a method for converting electrical power, the method comprising providing a modular power converter comprising a mode control module and a plurality of autonomously operating power conversion modules operatively connected to a first power bus; selecting, by the mode control module, individual modes of operation for the plurality of power conversion modules to meet a power conversion requirement; receiving electrical power of a first power type from the first power bus by at least one of the power conversion modules; and converting the received electrical power into electrical power of a second power type by the at least one power conversion module. The plurality of power conversion modules comprise may substantially equal volts-amperes-reactive conversion capacities, and wherein the selecting of individual modes of operation comprises selecting the power conversion modules to operate in either a standby mode or one of an inductive or a capacitive mode so that reactive power is either absorbed or supplied to the first power bus. The power conversion modules operating in one of the inductive or capacitive mode all convert substantially the same volts-amperes-reactive (VAr) amounts.

If there is a large capacitive load, the VAr compensator could consume reactive power to correct the power factor closer to unity.

In known modular power converters, the modules are typically not autonomous and do not perform the complete power conversion function of the power converter.