The object
Rainer Marquardt invented the modular multilevel converter, a power-electronics architecture built from controllable submodules. The physical converter made efficient high-voltage direct-current links and renewable-grid integration practical at very large power levels, replacing less flexible converter arrangements with scalable power modules.
What Rainer did
Invented the modular multilevel converter architecture used in high-voltage power conversion.
Why it matters
The technology is an international standard in modern high-voltage transmission and offshore-wind integration, with reported efficiencies above 99 percent.
Living-status check
Bundeswehr University Munich published a person-specific report on 3 July 2026 covering Marquardt receiving the European Inventor Award and quoting him on transferring ideas into real applications.