EAGER: Ultra-Efficient, Scalable, and Fault-Tolerant DC-DC Converters for Medium/High-Voltage Applications

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EAGER: Ultra-Efficient, Scalable, and Fault-Tolerant DC-DC Converters for Medium/High-Voltage Applications With the growing demand for exploiting distributed energy resources and the need for dynamic and reconfigurable power grids with ever increasing power density, reliability, and efficiency requirements, the concept of direct current (dc) power systems is gaining traction. Lower losses and higher power densities enabled by dc power transmission and distribution has sparked further implementation of high-voltage and medium-voltage dc transmission and distribution systems. It is envisioned that the dc grids will improve functionality, stability, and reliability of the legacy power grid while simultaneously decreasing the conversion losses and investment cost. The envisioned dc grids are not necessarily at the same voltage level and their expansion towards the future grid calls for ultra- efficient, scalable, power-dense and fault-tolerant medium- and high-voltage dc-dc power converters, which will enable voltage matching when connecting two or more dc systems operating at different voltage levels. The objective of this research is to realize a new class of dc-dc converters, which pushes the boundaries of efficiency, scalability, power density and fault tolerance/reliability and expedites further expansion of dc grids. To this end, two new promising converter topologies, one based on the voltage-sourced converter concept and the other one based on the current-sourced converter concept, are fully explored. The project will focus on modeling, analysis, control, short-circuit fault protection, and design optimization of these converter topologies, demonstrating the ability to achieve the objectives including compact, ultra-efficient, power dense, and embedded fault blocking capability. The proposed educational activities will help educate and equip next-generation power engineers/scientists with the required knowledge and skills to tackle energy chalThis award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.