Distributed DC-DC Converter Architectures for Renewable Energy Harvesting

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Distributed DC architectures provide several added benefits to renewable energy harvesting systems. Among these benefits are the higher energy yield, increased system reliability and power throughput, provide better system monitoring and diagnostic capabilities as well as more flexible system design. High frequency power conversion has been limited to low power applications. However, with the advances in electronic, magnetic and dielectric materials, there is a prime opportunity to establish new limits of operation for these converters. This program will focus on developing novel modular high frequency power converters for renewable energy harvesting applications with specific focus on wind and solar applications. Since high efficiency in addition to high power density are key design requirements, the application of resonant power converters as well as using silicon carbide diodes and/or switches will be investigated along with the design requirements imposed on the medium/high frequency transformers for these applications. Converter fault resilience, as well as energy storage requirements for ride-through support will also be investigated. Multiple interconnected converters in the DC collection grid provide more control flexibility, where converter modulations can be coordinated to optimize overall power conversion system efficiency and dynamic response. The key novelty and main outcome of this program is will be: (i) The development of a family of new modular high voltage high frequency power converters that can be easily installed up-tower in wind turbines. (ii) System level analysis for the integration of a large number of power converters connected in series and/or parallel and the effect of these interconnections on system operation. (iii) Architectures for large-scale solar plants that are directly tied to medium voltage grid without the need for bulky line frequency transformers. The proposed research will give Canadian industry a competitive edge in modular DC architectures, which can be adopted in different applications, such as renewable energy harvesting, electrification of transportation systems, sub-sea oil and gas and radar power supplies.