Unified Multi-input DC-DC Converter for Hybrid Distributed Generating Systems

Under the guidance of : Prof. M.V. Aware HOD Electrical Department Visvesvaraya National Institute of technology , Nagpur

Made by : Ajay Jamodkar (ajay.j001@gmail.com) Anil Kumar Ameya Chandrayan Kaustubh Umathe

INDIA'S ENERGY ASPIRATIONS

Current Capacity : 173,855 MW (utility) - 5th largest in the world Peak shortage ~ 15% Environmental concerns
India 3rd largest emitter of CO2 behind China and US 38% of emissions from power sector

Energy security concerns

67% power from coal-based thermal plants - need to depend on imports

Net electricity generation required in 2020 : 1850 billion units

Per Capita Electricity consumption in 2020 : ~ 1200 kWh Still, well below world average of 2800 kWh

How do we grow to ~ 2,000 billion kWh by 2020 ?

HOW TO GROW AND BE SUSTAINABLE?

Efficient Technology to Generate Power from Convectional Power Sources

Renewable Sources of Energy

Hybrid Distributed Power Generation Systems

Smart Grid

Hybrids and Electric Vehicles.

Reducing Transmission and Distribution Losses.

Need of Unified Multi-input DC-DC Converter for Hybrid Distributed Generating Systems
Various renewable sources of energy have different power generation characteristics.

I-V characteristics of solar cell

V-I characteristics of Fuel cell

Presently in order to integrate different renewable power generating sources to a common bus different DC-DC converters are required.

Key factors to improve efficiency of distributed generating system :

Improving performance and efficiency of each of these devices. Most importantly increasing the overall efficiency of the integration systems. Reducing cost and size of the overall system. New power management algorithms for effective utilisation of these resources

What we did ?
We developed A new unified multi-Input DC-DC Converter topology which is developed for Hybrid Distributed Generating Systems. It is used to integrate the renewables with energy storage device. Interface these with common converter to a grid

Advantages : This eliminates the dedicated DC-DC converters for each individual renewable source. Therefore improves the overall conversion efficiency. A new single integral switching cycle having duty ratio control for each resource to regulate optimal power flow . Improved reliability due to less count of components.

Working Principle :

The control task is implemented using high speed microcontroller (ATmega 328 ). MOSFETS are used for high speed switching . Use of various current and voltage sensors to manipulate input variables. Use of MPPT algorithm to maximize solar power .

Main features :
Integrating power sources having different characteristics in a single unit is a unique feature. The overriding MPPT algorithm continuously trying to maximise the power evacuation to satisfy the load demand. The economic operation through our robust power management algorithm enables the decision on optimal utilisation of available resources. A storage device (Battery) in the system allows further support to the grid under various operating conditions. The low cost microcontrollers and less device count reduces the overall cost and maintenance without compromising with the efficiency. Use of Sine PWM based inverter to maintain power quality on the output side.

Use of I2C protocol to effectively communicate between different controllers.

Practical Implementation of technology :

An efficient yet cost effective way for integration of multiple renewable sources.

More reliable and efficient power conversion system . Use of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm to extract maximum available power from solar cells. Efficient power management programme for optimal power flow is realisation through duty cycle control. It provides economical power to the grid with more stable support through battery energy storage having scope in future SMART GRID environment.

Commercial utility :
A Reduced size and low cost device implementing MPPT ,Power management, PWM algorithms thus making it more feasible in fast growing renewable market. Thus using this technology, apart from meeting their own needs, individuals will be able to contribute power to the grid in a distributed grid system.

Current Status of the project :

The conceptualisation of having multi-input for interfacing different renewable has been simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK. A prototype of 500 W has been built with PV cell (24 Volt, 200 W) and fuel cell (through emulator-50 W) as power sources and battery for energy storage (12V, 7Ah). (Main Project Prototype) The performance tests with different duty cycle control were carried out under different operating conditions.

The power management programme was also verified in simulation with different power flow condition. The MPPT algorithm with incremental conductance method was tested off-line with the PV model simulator.
A fuel cell emulator was developed using controlled constant current source due to cost concerns. The integrated circuit performance was verified with a SPWM based inverter to convert the DC output of this converter to the load under offline condition (THD Performance )

Future Work To be done :

Development of a more efficient and Robust Master Power management algorithm. Miniaturization of the circuit Improving the THD of inverter in order to achieve power quality requirements. Testing of the overall prototype under Of-grid and On-grid Loading conditions. Modification according to industrial standards to make it suitable for open market.

Problems Faced :
Insufficient funding. Availability of components . Need of a well equipped lab. Time to time guidance from subject matter experts and industrial people working in the same field .

Our project won 3rd prize at GRID TECH 13, 4th International exhibition and Conference organised by Power Grid corp. India ltd and supported by Ministry of Power.

Thank You

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I-V characteristics of solar cell

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