Distributed Power Conversion Architecture for Microgrids and Integration of Renewable Energy Sources

Abstract

This article focuses on distributed power conversion architecture for microgrid and integration of renewable energy sources from the aspect of power electronics converter. It covers the following areas: Power Distribution and Control, Alternative Power and Energy Technology, Energy Storage Technology, Energy Conversion and Efficiencies. The state-of-the-art research of microgrid, control algorithms and power electronics building blocks are reviewed in this article. We propose a distributed power conversion architecture for renewable energy sources in microgrids, which has advantages including functionality, efficiency, reliability, and low manufacturing cost. Its impact on future grids is investigated. The physical system in University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is studied. A family of DAB converter based power electronics building block is propsed to realize the modular design consideration. The modeling and control algorithms of the DC and AC power electronics building blocks are developed and simulation results have verified the theoretical model. This research also opens up new possibilities for how renewable energy sources can be integrated and applied.