Review of multiport power converters for distribution network applications

Sam Harrison*, Bartosz Soltoswski, Antonio Pepiciello, Andres Camilo Henao, Ahmed Y. Farag, Mebtu Beza, Lie Xu, Agustí Egea-Àlvarez, Marc Cheah-Mañé, Oriol Gomis-Bellmunt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

84 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Multiport power converters integrate three or more energy devices into a single (potentially highly controllable and efficient) hub. These characteristics suggest that multiport power converters may be valuable for the decarbonisation of distribution networks, where the increase of converter-interfaced devices has degraded system reliability and efficiency. This review analyses the suitability of a wide range of multiport power converter solutions for four example distribution network applications (where previous studies have focussed on a limited range of topologies or applications) and the research areas that can progress their maturity. A review of grid codes and standards overviews the base capability that multiport power converters are likely to require, some of which are carried forward as requirements for a novel comparison tool. The comparison tool is developed to qualify and score reviewed topologies in terms of a range of features that are weighted for the applications. Isolated and partially-isolated topologies perform well due to their flexibility to be configured for the specifications and their operational capabilities (including modularity and voltage decoupling). Further research should focus on the complex control interactions between ports and scaling of these topologies for medium voltages. In contrast, many direct current non-isolated topologies do not qualify due to their low flexibility to be configured for the applications. This suggests that future research could focus on the development of a more flexible non-isolated multiport power converter configuration to take advantage of the high efficiency and low footprint that these topologies might otherwise offer for low voltage applications.
Original languageEnglish
Article number114742
Number of pages17
JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Volume203
Early online date13 Jul 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2024

Keywords

  • multiport power converter
  • distribution network
  • low-carbon building
  • microgrid
  • renewable energy source
  • energy storage system
  • electric vehicle

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Review of multiport power converters for distribution network applications'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this