A Multi-Input Solar Converter Interface for AC Microgrid Architecture

AC microgrids are considered the most compatible method for integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems into the existing power grid. Photovoltaic (PV) systems are among the most popular renewable energy sources. However, due to the DC nature of their produced power, power electronics converters are required to process their harvested energy. This paper proposes a power electronics-based solution named solar converter unit (SCU) that operates as an interface between the PVs modules and the AC microgrid. The modularity of the proposed topology improves the reliability of power conversion process. Moreover, this topology benefits from a modified hysteresis band control algorithm that provides regulated and high-quality waveform at the consumer side with maximum of 6% error margin. Furthermore, a THD value of 0.72% is recorded for the consumer side. Various integration scenarios using SCU are discussed comprehensively in this paper and a scenario selection algorithm is proposed. Simulations are conducted for key functions of SCU to demonstrate its capabilities and functionality. The simulation results show that the proposed SCU converts and manages the power in the AC microgrid properly.