Compact Integrated Energy Systems for Distributed Generation

Abstract

Distributed generation systems usually include local energy sources, storages, and loads. Almost always, these entities have their own power converters for grid interfacing and energy processing. Having individual converters has advantages like more flexible individual control and simpler design but does not encourage functionality merging. Reduction of semiconductors to arrive at a more compact integrated design is thus not possible. Addressing this concern, a number of integrated energy generation systems that use 25% lesser semiconductors are proposed. The systems can be single or three phase depending on the types of sources, storages, and loads assembled. They can operate in the grid-tied or stand-alone mode with no compromise in performances expected, when compared with other solutions using more switches. For verifying the practicalities of the proposed integrated systems, experimental testing has already been performed on two example systems assembled in the laboratory.