The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has led to the development of hybrid energy systems that integrate renewable sources like solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and fuel cells (FC). The practical applications of the research in sectors such as electric vehicles and residential power systems, contribute to a more reliable and sustainable energy future contributing to a more reliable and sustainable future.
Abstract of the research.
This paper introduces novel high-gain tertiary port boost converter (HGTPBC) designed for hybrid energy sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cells (FC). The converter is employed with dual input sources by facilitating modular converters and accomplishes a high step-up voltage gain by virtue of a voltage multiplier in a DC microgrid, where the prosumers can have an islanded operation. The proposed topology allows home appliances to be powered by multiple energy source without the need for a large storage unit. Key features include continuous input current, reduced normalized voltage stress on switches, expandability for multiple input sources and independent source control. The independent control facilitates the standalone operation with single source during source failure or absence. To evaluate the converter performance, a thorough steady-state analysis, both with and without consideration of nonidealities is carried out. Detailed comparisons with existing converter topologies highlight the advantages of the proposed converter. Moreover, the loss distribution and efficiency analysis of proposed converter are presented and found to be 91.59% efficiency at rated power. Theoretical aspects are validated through hardware testing on a 100W laboratory prototype.
Explanation of the Research in layperson’s terms.
The proposed converter is a 100W DC-DC converter topology used in hybrid energy systems applications and electric vehicular applications in DC microgrid. The converter can accept two sources like fuel cell and solar PV system to supply the load and even can be extended for a greater number of sources. Thus, it is suitable for various applications of traction vehicles, household electrifications etc. It exhibits a lower switch stress and higher step-up conversion gain.
Practical Implementation and Social implications
The features include high step-up conversion gain, independent control possible, reduced normalised switch voltage stress. And flexible operation based on PV availability. It is most suitable for electric vehicles, Unmanned ariel vehicles, and hybrid energy systems etc. It improves the reliability of the renewable energy source by the incorporation of the second fixed source, fuel cell. It can be used in various on-grid and off-grid applications like home, hospitals, offices, and educational institutions, especially where source reliability is necessary. The major advantage is the reduction in the size of the source due to higher step-up gain and ease of control between the sources.
Future Research Plans
We are working towards the development of efficient and ultra-high gain bidirectional converters for various applications on DC microgrids. That should be able of reducing the source ratings and to integrate multiple sources to improve the grid reliability. Design and implementation of bidirectional multi-port converters for various applications of DC microgrids, such as renewable and hybrid storage integration are the scope of our research.
The link to the article- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10772206
