A silicon-carbide based, high voltage gain medium voltage power inverter for utility-scale renewable energy systems

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Canada is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. As Ontario is Canada's leader in renewable energy generation, to meet the nation's aggressive GHG reduction target, it is important to prioritize the development of clean and affordable, renewable power generation. Highly power-efficient and cost-effective medium voltage (MV) power interface is the key to ensure that the extracted energy from renewable sources is converted to electricity efficiently in renewable energy conversion systems. Through prior collaborations with Northern Transformer Corporation (an Ontario-based manufacturer of electrical transformers), a modular step-up MV DC-DC converter with extended soft-switching capability has been developed. Based on the successful outcomes, the objective of the proposed research project is to develop a new and fully integrated MV high voltage gain three-phase power inverter technology for use in utility-scale renewable energy power networks. The latest silicon-carbide (SiC) switching modules will be employed in the proposed design. The devised inverter will be integrated with the front-end voltage step-up conversion stage through high frequency AC (Alternating Current)-link to form a fully integrated step-up DC-AC three-phase power inversion unit. The end result will be a truly high power-efficient and ultra-compact innovative MV step-up power inverter for utility-scale renewable power generation. In addition to technology advancement, the proposed research project will provide opportunities for student and post-doctoral researchers to develop strong analytical skills to devise novel MV power circuits, and to gain extensive hardware testing experience in proof-of-concept MV circuit prototypes. The successful development of the proposed power inversion technology will help in establishing Canada as one of the global leaders in MV power electronics research for renewable energy systems.