Advanced power converters for increased energy efficiency in microgrids

Abstract

Energy efficiency and cost are the two key driving factors for increased usage of hybrid- and DC-microgrids in both urban and rural settings. In order to accomplish this critical objective, number of energy conversion stages from source to load need to be reduced and efficiency of every power conversion electronic block needs to be increased by carefully taking into account system-level interactions. Power converters based on wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor switching devices such as those made on silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors promise dramatic advances in this regard compared to the industry workhorse - the conventional silicon semiconductor. However, performance, cost and reliability need to be carefully evaluated from a systems perspective. This paper provides a review of the current state-of-the-art and emerging trends in WBG power converters for application in hybrid- and DC-microgrids.