Patent attributes
In a multilevel converter, three first rectifying elements are respectively connected between three arms and a negative voltage terminal. Three second rectifying elements are respectively connected to the three first rectifying elements in antiparallel. During a normal operation, current flows in the three first rectifying elements and the three second rectifying elements. When a short circuit accident occurs between two DC power transmission lines, the three first rectifying elements are brought into the non-conductive state, thereby interrupting and quickly attenuating inter-arm direct current flowing in four arms and the like.