Power electronics in renewable energy smart grid: a review

Abstract

Extensive manipulation of new power electronics technologies in renewable energy is predictable to grant efficiency improvements in smart grid evolution. This paper explores possible relationships between power electronics converters and renewable energy in smart grid. The generated power output from renewable energy is generally difficult to control, a power electronics converters capable of implementing high-speed and high-accuracy control is needed for the mass adoption of renewable energy in smart grid. Photovoltaic and wind energy are selected to be analysed as two main types of renewable energy used in smart grid. A smart grid will allow connectivity of the photovoltaic and wind turbines as intermittent sources of energy. Using photovoltaic and wind turbines with power electronics converters and enhanced control techniques can support a grid with reactive power and protect the equipment during severe grid disturbances are important issues to be addressed.