Buck Converter Modelling for Supercapacitors Fast Charging in CCM
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Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
Power Electronics and Drives 2025;10(Special Section - Renewable Energy Conversion and Energy Storage Systems – Part II ):392-405
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ABSTRACT
Supercapacitors (SCs) can handle thousands of charge/discharge cycles with high peak currents, largely due to their low equivalent
series resistance (ESR). However, this can be a drawback when high charging currents are to be regulated, since DC–DC converters
must work in continuous current mode (CCM). In this case, a short circuit ideally occurs if the ESR is considered negligible and the
input DC bus and SC voltages are almost constant cycle by cycle. In practice, this implies that in CCM, a minimal variation in the duty
cycle results in a high change in the charging current. This study proposes a practical model of a buck converter operating in CCM,
facilitating the storage of energy peaks in SCs. This model, which is based on considering the serial loss resistances of the converter
parts and wires, is validated from simulation and assembly results both in open-loop (OL) and closed-loop (CL) regulating modes.
Hence, following the simplicity criteria, a classic discrete regulator is programmed in an 8-bit μC (microcontroller), achieving a settling
time of 12 ms for a 30 A step. These results enable the rapid and stable absorption of power peaks that may appear on the DC bus.