Integrating storage and renewable energy sources into a DC Microgrid using high gain DC DC Boost Converters

Abstract

Adding photovoltaic (PV) energy sources to a DC Microgrid can be complicated and costly. The PV-module's output does not match the high voltage DC (HVDC) bus to which it is attached so PV-modules must be connected in a series string fashion in order to reach the required level. This means all PV-modules .must be identical in electrical characteristics, must be connected in identical string lengths, be oriented in the same direction and are subject to complete string failure if PV-modules within the series strings fails. A high gain DC DC Boost Converter that can output a voltage that matches the HVDC bus allows each PV-module to be an independent contributor, regardless of its technology or electrical characteristics, and to be connected in parallel so that now each PV-module is an independent power generator. This paper describes the DC DC converter, the advantages of the parallel connectivity and some of the other benefits attainable with PV-module level electronics as PV is integrated into microgrids.