Next Generation Adaptive Medium Voltage Power Converters for Renewable Energy Conversion

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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. To meet this aggressive target, Canada is taking action to completely phase out coal-fired electricity within the next 10 years by prioritizing the development of clean and affordable renewable power generation, such as wind and photovoltaic (PV) energy. To facilitate large scale renewable energy conversion to affordable electricity, highly power efficient, reliable and cost-effective medium voltage power conversion is vital. In comparison to current medium voltage AC (MVAC) grid power architecture, the emerging medium voltage DC (MVDC) grid power architecture offers several advantages, such as: the elimination of the large-footprint step-up transformer associated with each renewable generation unit and need of frequency synchronization when decoupling from the grid; the reduction of the number of power transmission cables; and the ease of inter-connecting high capacity energy storage. The goal of the proposed research program is to develop a wide range of highly power-efficient, cost-effective, and novel MVDC power converter systems in large-scale PV or wind energy systems. The proposed converters are compact adaptive MV power converter systems that exhibit very high power efficiency over the entire operating range. The short-term objectives of this program are to: 1. devise novel adaptive highly power efficient DC/DC step-up MV power converters for large-scale PV energy systems. 2. devise novel adaptive highly power efficient AC/DC three-phase step-up MV power converters for high power wind turbine systems. 3. devise novel adaptive highly power efficient DC/DC bi-directional power converters for energy storage in the MVDC grid network. The long-term objectives of this program are to train HQP in power electronics for renewable energy conversion; to play an active role in Canada's GHG reduction plan; and to collaborate with industries to further develop the devised power technology into commercial products for use in the renewable energy sector. The outcome of the proposed research program will develop innovative and highly efficient power converter solutions for renewable energy application. The research outcomes will increase the affordability and growth of more efficient and clean renewable energy systems. Such growth will lead to significant reductions in GHG, improved environment, affordable electricity and better health of Canadians. Equity, diversity and inclusion is also of the utmost importance at the Advanced Power Electronics Lab for Sustainable Energy Research (PELSER) at York University for fostering HQP and for high quality multifaceted research. As such, the recruitment process for this research program will continue to maintain a diverse and inclusive academic team and to foster a positive and equitable research environment.