A modular multilevel topology using power electronic transformers for the modular drivetrains of electric vehicles

Abstract

This paper proposed a modular multilevel topology using power electronics transformers for the modular drivetrain of electric vehicles (EV). Because of its high modularity, the topology can be easily applied to a wide range of EVs, from personal vehicles to passenger cars. Compared with two conventional modular multilevel converters, fewer submodules are needed and its control is thus simpler. The topology can also balance voltage of batteries without an equalization circuit and has low harmonics distortion. Moreover, according to the simulation results, the topology has higher overall efficiency than the conventional 6-switch 2-level inverter structure in synthesized driving cycles.