Multi-port Converters in Smart Grids: Protection Selectivity

Requests for high quality and continuity of supply have led to the study of DC micro-grids. The realization of these networks would allow exploitation of DC advantages, but it would also create fault clearance and selectivity problems because semi-conductors suffer over-currents and over-voltages. The use of traditional DC circuit breakers is often not acceptable. As an alternative, static switches can be installed to solve these problems, in spite of increases in power loss. In this work, a multi-port converter is proposed to solve the aforementioned problems. In addition, it is able to manage power flows and AC and DC I/O, improve stability, and decouple port voltages.