Improved Performance, System Integrated Power Converter with Advanced Circuit Topology for Renewable Energy Applications

78769S Power converters that convert electrical power from variable and disparate voltage sources of varying frequency are needed for a variety of systems where wind turbine, fuel cell, photovoltaic, hydrogen, and microturbine generators are used. In grid-tied systems, multiple power converters or multiple power conversion stages are required between the relatively expensive renewable energy source and the load, or utility grid. However, multiple power conversions adversely affect the power conversion efficiency of the system. Moreover, these systems are complex and system reliability is degraded if there is not adequate communication capabilities between all system components. This project will develop an advanced, universal application, power converter architecture. A truly modular design approach will facilitate the plug-and-play construction of a wide variety of system integrated power conversion products from a much smaller number of highly flexible functional modules. A novel power conversion method will allow, simultaneous power transfer to and from any number of system components connected to the power converter. Compared to the current state of technology, the size, weight, and complexity of the power converter products will be significantly reduced. In Phase I, a power converter ¿breadboard¿ will be designed, fabricated, and tested to verify the performance and cost goals of the power converter technology. The specific ¿breadboard¿ converter topology will be the precursor to a potentially high volume product for residential grid-tied photovoltaic systems having battery backup capability. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The proposed power converter technology should be well suited to a variety of applications including systems with photovoltaics, fuel cells, wind turbines, hydrogen, microturbines, micro-hydro turbines, storage batteries, flywheels, AC grid connection(s), and reciprocating generators. All of these system components will interface to the power converter through standardized functional modules. The renewable energy, distributed generation, and power security industries should all benefit.