Flexible Power Electronics Converters for Future Energy Networks

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The Paris climate accord signed by 195 nations, dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation and adaptation, has spurred the exponential development of novel renewable energy based technologies. Power electronics is an integral part of these technologies. The energy market is rapidly moving towards “more” integration of renewable energy sources in the electric power grid and the use of electric vehicles. It is anticipated that by the mid-century more than 16% of global electricity will be generated using photovoltaic systems, and electric vehicles will become the mode of transportation of choice. One of the main challenges that needs to be addressed is to efficiently and reliably process the electrical energy. To do so, this project deals with the development of high-density and high-efficiency power electronics converter blocks that offer flexibility in creating many different types of energy networks for the future. The short-term objectives of this research proposal are to create optimally designed new bi-directional AC/DC, DC/DC, DC/AC power electronics converter topologies. The long-term objectives of this research program are to produce generic building-blocks of power electronics converters, commercialize these new state-of-the-art technologies, and train Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) in power electronics. The innovative character of this research lies in the uniqueness of proposed alternatives to existing converter topologies and control techniques, tailored for developing next generation power electronics technologies with industrial importance and academic significance. The main emphasis is devising minimum-components, highly-efficient and very-high switching circuit topologies and digital control techniques that enable cost-effective and compact power electronics converter blocks expected to provide a competitive edge to Canadian industries to penetrate the energy market. The proposed research will also help Canada to fulfill its commitment to the Paris accord in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The scope of the proposed research is limited to single-phase, low-to-medium power applications.