Power Electronics for Modern Sustainable Power Systems: Distributed Generation, Microgrids and Smart Grids—A Review

Abstract

This work presents and discusses the application of power electronics for the integration of several distributed generation sources, as well as those related to it, the microgrids and the smart grids, to the power sector. Trends and challenges are addressed for the area of study and an embracing overview of the main technologies and techniques is presented for future investigation. As there are many power electronics devices available for employment, in each one of these crucial, modern, sustainable electrical systems, it is important for students, researchers and professionals to understand and compare the state of the art of them all, for the right choice in their respective uses. These apparatuses not only allow grid matching, but also provide new functions that enhance these artifacts’ operations, and of the entire power system. Thus, in this paper, the relationship between power electronics and distributed generation is detailed, with the role and classification of each static converter for the improved operation of wind power, photovoltaic systems, fuel cells, small hydro and microturbines exposed. While the first two are more widely covered in the literature, the last three are rarely discussed and differentiated, in terms of their power electronics interfaces. Then, the same is made for microgrids and smart grids, also scarcely approached in other works, with regard to the characteristics of the power converters applied, confirming their superior performances with the use of power electronics. Finally, conclusions are given.

Grid-Connected and Seamless Transition Modes for Microgrids: An Overview of Control Methods, Operation Elements, and General Requirements

“…Power converters are the interface of most of the DG sources. They efficiently condition their output, while, at the same time, improving their performance and making their operation more flexible [21], [63]- [68]. In the case of microgrids, power electronics are crucial for their operation.…”

“…Combined with the converters' powerful abilities to efficiently adapt electrical outputs and adhere advanced control methods, microgrids are able to distinguish from each other with particular parameters and special operation conditions [21]. Distinct voltage and frequency levels, single-phase or three-phase, AC, DC or hybrid microgrids are some options.…”

“…As was declared before, DG and renewable energy evolved between the 1970s and 2000s and their distinctive aspects, connection to the distribution system, modularity, diversity and size [18], [19], for instance, paved the way for the arrival of microgrids. Another capital part in the appearance of microgrids is the improvement of semiconductors and power electronics in the second half of the last century [20], with power converters enabling their operation and control [21]. The Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, intensely investigated in the 1980s and 1990s, were the conceptual precursors of microgrids by allowing continuous electricity provision in the absence of the grid with parallel units applying advanced control methods [22].…”

Towards Data-Driven Fault Diagnostics Framework for SMPS-AEC Using Supervised Learning Algorithms

“…High power density, high efficiency, low cost, and small size are used to evaluate commercial power electronics converters. Maintaining reliability in these devices can prove difficult, however, when these the above mentioned characteristics are attained [5][6][7]. High junction temperatures in switching devices result from an improved converter topology created to satisfy high-power and high-efficiency systems.…”

Assessing the Impact of Integrating Solar PV System using the Equal Area Criterion Method

“…Hence, stability of the power grid is being disturbed with penetration of RES. Power ASTESJ ISSN: 2415-6698 electronics technologies play a predominant role in the connection of distributed generation and renewable energy sources into the power grid and are becoming more prevalent and growing rapidly as these applications are further integrated into grid-based systems [4]. The fast evolution of power electronics devices are mainly due to development of semiconductor switches such as insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) [5].…”