Control circuit

Abstract

The control circuit includes first and second primary terminals for connection to a DC network, a secondary terminal connected in series between the first and second primary terminals and at least one auxiliary energy conversion element and an auxiliary terminal. The first and second primary terminals have a plurality of modules and a plurality of primary energy conversion elements connected in series therebetween to define a current transmission path, each module including at least one energy storage device, each energy storage device being selectively removable from the current transmission path. The plurality of modules include a first module and a second module the first module being connected in series with at least one primary energy conversion element between the first primary terminal and the secondary terminal to define a first current transmission path portion, and the second module being connected in series with at least one other primary energy conversion element between the second primary terminal and the secondary terminal to define a second current transmission path portion. The auxiliary energy conversion element is connected in series between the secondary and auxiliary terminals, the auxiliary terminal being for connection to ground.