An integrated four-port converter for compact and efficient hybrid power systems

Abstract

As interest in renewable energy systems with various sources continues to grow, there is a strong need for integrated power converters that are capable of interfacing and concurrently controlling several power terminals. Meanwhile, energy storage is required to compensate for the mismatch between the sourcing and loading power patterns over a regular operational cycle. Therefore, different operational scenarios and modes exist during a regular operational cycle. This necessitates an intelligent power management and a mature and advanced control strategy in order to boost energy harvesting, protect the battery and increase overall system functionality, reliability and efficiency. The proposed four-port converter interfaces one photovoltaic (PV) panel input port, one wind turbine input port, one bi-directional battery port and an isolated output port. It has the advantage of low switch count, high power density and high efficiency. Wind and PV Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), battery charge algorithm and bus voltage regulation are efficiently managed by a mature control structure.

Comparison of system architecture and converter topology for a solar powered electric vehicle charging station

“…Multiple MPC are connected to each other via the AC grid. Integration of power electronic converters for PV, EV and grid into one MPC leads to higher power density, cost reduction and ease of control [8], [9]. Control of EV charging from PV can be achieved through the controller of the MPC while in the previous two architecture, communication has to be established between the separate PV and EV converters.…”

“…Architecture 4 has been the least explored, most reasonably because of its use of a futuristic DC grid. [8], [9] which use a PV system to charge batteries is indirectly based on the use of architecture 4. The DC load port of the converter in [8], [9] can be connected to a central DC-grid and an isolated DC converter can be used for the battery charger to enable it for EV charging.…”