Applications of a Dual Function Multi-Port Converter Topology in DC Microgrid Systems

Climate change and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction efforts have generated an interest in microgrid research due to its ability to integrate renewable energy sources and storage to existing grid infrastructure. Economizing microgrids through use of DC microgrids has become a major research focus. This paper proposes a novel converter topology that offers high-efficiency, reduced filter requirements and the ability to handle all DC/DC conversions within DC microgrid systems. Specifically, the paper investigates potential control schemes that integrate solar photovoltaic (PV) sources and energy storage technology to a DC microgrid system. Converter operation and control is verified using PSCADTM by simulating a realistic DC microgrid system using the proposed topology ti handle all DC/DC conversion. This paper examines system operating under normal operation (i.e. load demands, temperature and irradiance changes) and fault conditions.