Conventional model predictive control(MPC)strategies for the modular multilevel converter(MMC)are not ideal for actual applications because of the tremendous calculation burden. To solve this problem

a fast voltage MPC(FVMPC)strategy is proposed based on a discrete mathematical voltage vector model of the MMC derived in this paper. By optimizing the implementation of the control targets and simplifying the rolling optimization

the proposed algorithm makes it simpler to expand to higher voltage levels for the three-phase MMC

with the burden of calculation significantly reduced and the advantage of the conventional MPC algorithm retained. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed strategy are verified by simulation results of a 21-level back-to-back MMC based high voltage direct current system using the simulation software MATLAB/Simulink.