Multilevel modular DC/DC converter for regenerative braking using supercapacitors

Regenerative braking is presented in many electric traction applications such as electric and hybrid vehicles, lifts and railway. The regenerated energy can be stored for future use, increasing the efficiency of the system. This paper outlines the benefits of the MMC (modular multilevel converter) in front of the cascaded or series connection of converters to achieve high voltage from low voltage storage elements such as supercapacitors. The paper compares three different solutions and shows that the MMC can benefit from weight and volume reduction of the output inductance when shifted switching modulation strategy is used. Using this modulation strategy, not only the output frequency is increased, but also the magnitude of the inductor applied voltage is reduced, reducing inductor size and volume