Research Projects

Renewable energy sources are increasingly being used in power generation projects to reduce pollution and fossil fuel reliance. However, intermittent power dependability from these sources is compromised, making Energy storage Devices (EsDs) such as super capacitors and batteries crucial for improving reliability. The bidirectional converter system (DC/DC and DC/AC) plays a crucial role in integrating EsDs with the grid, supporting bidirectional power transfer and suitable voltage level conversion. In low voltage levels of EsDs, a bidirectional DC/DC converter operation with high voltage conversion ratio is recommended for grid integration. Research gaps include low voltage conversion, lack of wide range voltage conversion, and control system complexity. This project proposes a novel bidirectional DC/DC converter with key features such as ultra-voltage conversion from low-voltage EsD to high-voltage grid, low duty ratio control, wide range voltage conversion, high efficiency, low complexity in design and control, and low power loss. The entire converter system is controlled through a dead-beat model predictive current controller (MPCC) for accurate, smooth, and high dynamic control response. The proposed project aims to develop a novel bidirectional DC/DC converter with simple design, wide and ultra-voltage conversion ratio, and high efficiency, and to design a dead-beat MPCC for optimal response. The project will support solar PV powered EV charging stations with reliability maintenance, permit more renewable energy supply to the grid, and increase grid flexibility.