Multiple Hybrid Outputs for Integrated Energy Systems: Design, Control and Real-Time Validation

Abstract

This paper presents hybrid quasi-Z-source converters (qZSCs) designed for integrated energy system-based microgrid applications, capable of providing dual-DC and multi-AC outputs from a single DC input source. Microgrids rely on diverse renewable energy sources such as solar and effective power converters and are crucial for integrating these resources into the grid. The proposed converters incorporate series and parallel-configured integrated inverters, facilitating both boost and buck-boost operations simultaneously with an additional inductive branch to the standard quasi-Z-source network. The suggested system utilises a novel control approach to regulate multiple AC and DC output voltages efficiently. Key features include robust power control, single-stage energy conversion, built-in shoot-through protection and immunity to electromagnetic interference. The proposed series and parallel converter circuits offer versatile configurations for generating two DC and multiple AC outputs, enhancing flexibility in microgrid power distribution. A closed-loop control strategy is implemented for the series qZSC to validate its operational effectiveness. Detailed steady-state mathematical analyses for both qZSC configurations are supplemented by simulation results under varying load conditions, confirming their performance capabilities. Additionally, for further validation, Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) results were obtained with a real-time emulator using Typhoon HIL to prove the effectiveness of the proposed system.