MiDER · Microconverters for Distributed Energy Resources

Microconverters for Distributed Energy Resources

The MiDER project was designed to provide guidelines for the optimal utilization of Wide-Bandgap technology in modern energy conversion systems for distributed energy resources (DERs). More specifically, the key direction was to re-design the power electronics for improved power density by disengaging from magnetic components. The technical objectives of the project were: i) To develop a miniaturized and efficient multilevel converter (MMC) based on the Flying Capacitor (FC) topology with Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices and no magnetic components or electrolytic capacitors. ii) To study the dynamic performance of the system and evaluate the effect of the miniaturization on the converter and power system stability. The successful implementation of the project required a cross-sectorial knowledge on three disciplines: a) material science for the device characterization, b) power electronics which incorporate the circuit analysis, design, firmware development and c) control theory for securing optimal operation of the system during steady state and dynamic conditions. The project was conducted at Imperial College London in a duration of 24 months with a secondment in Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne that exceeded 2 months. In line with the original project plan a 7-level 3-phase GaN multilevel inverter was developed for localized DERs. All the hardware and firmware components were assembled to evaluate a new concept for measuring the FCs with minimal footprint and cost. Further, the MiDER project had strong contribution to the fundamentals of power electronics as a new pulse width modulation (PWM) control was proposed for GaN-base inverters with improved natural balancing dynamic response. The key conclusion of the project is that, in addition to the topology selection and device technology, the peripheral circuitry (measurement system, balancing circuit, isolation stage) pose equally important challenges in the effort for miniaturization of the converter Alongside the technical advancements, the MiDER project was also targeting the personal development of the Researcher and his career progression. The Fellow participated in more than 10 training and career development activities that helped him prepare for his next professional step and to secure a tenure track assistant professor position in Greece. Overall, the Marie Sklodowska Curie Individua Fellowship has been the key enabling factor for the scientific progression in the power electronics field as well as the career development of the Fellow.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union