Low Voltage DC Network Research Articles

Moving towards a methodology for conductor sizing and protection in LVDC microgrids

Future power systems will be increasingly evaluated on their overall efficiency and sustainable use of raw materials. From this point of view, low-voltage DC networks have distinct advantages over AC networks. A large research interest is noted where these benefits are highlighted through case studies and demonstrators worldwide. However, the protection of DC networks is very challenging due to the absence of natural zero-crossings and fast network dynamics, and a general design methodology is missing in literature. This paper presents a general design methodology for the dimensioning of conductors and design of their protection in LVDC grids, in order to work towards a set of universal design methodologies for the development of LVDC grids based upon standards, best practices and experience, as is already a common resource in AC. The methodology is verified through a case study, where the differences with AC are highlighted and recommendations are made for standardization committees.

Development and research of uninterruptible power supply system for networks with supply voltage up to 24 V

Objectives. Due to the continuous rapid development of renewable energy sources, requirements for secondary power supply systems keep increasing from year to year. Productive uptime for end users is dependent on the efficiency and stability of the power supply system. Such systems should be able to distribute and store energy from renewable sources having various parameters and configurations. Therefore, the present work is aimed at developing technical solutions for efficient uninterruptible secondary power supply systems in low voltage DC networks.Methods. Advanced circuitry solutions are used for performing pulse conversions with high efficiency. The flexible hardware-software system is used for implementing the parameter control system.Results. An uninterruptible power supply for low-voltage DC networks is developed. The description of subsystems and calculations for all main elements including the power ones are given. Using a contemporary component base, the system prototype is assembled, configured, and measured by parameters. The presented solutions allow achieving the universality of the system in terms of the input and output voltage range. Support for the fast-charging Power Delivery protocol is integrated. As well as regulating the battery charging current and voltage, the Li+ battery charging controller permits changes in the number of chargeable cells. The monitoring and control unit monitors network parameters and controls the system automation. Using a microcontroller as the control device, it is possible to easily change control parameters by changing software settings. Dual redundancy of the module monitoring the built-in battery parameters is used to ensure the reliability and safety of system functioning. Support for the standardized I2C communication protocol with a separate power bus allows any necessary sensors to be connected for monitoring system parameters. External high-power devices controlled by a PWM signal may be added, if required. In the paper, the Li+ battery charging profile recommended by the manufacturer is provided.Conclusions. The designed system provides stable power supply to end users at a power consumption up to 40 W for at least 45 min. The automation demonstrates reliable operation.

A Novel Hybrid DC Transformer Combining Modular Multilevel Converter Structure and Series-Connected Semiconductor Switches

A hybrid dc transformer (DCT) combining the features of modular multilevel converter (MMC) and series-connected semiconductor switches (SSs) is proposed in this article, which is suitable for interconnection between medium-voltage dc networks and low-voltage dc networks. Compared with the conventional MMC-based DCT, the number of submodules (SMs) of the proposed DCT can be reduced under the same device voltage stress. A quasi-square-wave modulation is employed, which can ensure the high-reliability drive of SSs with the realization of zero voltage switching in a wide power and MV voltage range. The voltage self-balancing characteristic of the SM capacitor can be achieved in the proposed DCT, with no requirement of voltage sensor or specific modulation pattern. All the SSs are turned <small>on&#x002F;off</small> at zero voltage, the dynamic voltage balancing of the SSs is ensured naturally. Based on the analysis of the operation principle, the control scheme and parameters design are elaborated. The theoretical analysis is verified by the simulation and a downscaled 4-kW prototype experiment.

Resonant Modular Multilevel DC–DC Converters for Both High and Low Step-Ratio Connections in MVDC Distribution Systems

DC transformers based on power electronics are key items of equipment for medium voltage dc (MVDC) distribution systems. Both high and low step-ratio dc-dc conversions are required to interface dc links at different voltages to form an integrated dc distribution system. The transformer-coupled resonant modular multilevel dc-dc converter (RMMC) is well-suited to high step-ratio connection between an MVDC network and a low voltage dc network but it is not suitable in low step-ratio conversion for linking two MVDC networks with similar but not identical voltages. This article presents a circuit evolution of the high step-ratio transformer-coupled RMMC into its low step-ratio transformer-less RMMC counterpart. These two RMMCs share the same structure and the same resonant process within the resonant submodule stack giving rise to the same operational advantages. Also, the circuit design experience can be readily transferred from one to the other. From these two base RMMC circuits, a family of RMMCs with further configurations is elaborated that provide a wider variety of connection options for MVDC distribution systems. In this circuit family, each high step-ratio transformer-coupled RMMC has a low step-ratio transformer-less RMMC counterpart and one can be transformed into the other via the circuit evolution process presented. The theoretical analysis for both high and low step-ratio RMMCs has been verified through full-scale simulations of medium voltage examples and further verified through down-scaled experiments on laboratory prototypes.

A Survey on Bidirectional DC/DC Power Converter Topologies for the Future Hybrid and All Electric Aircrafts

DC-DC isolated converters allowing a bidirectional flow of energy between High-Voltage DC and Low-Voltage DC networks have been proposed to be integrated in future on board power distribution systems. These converters must meet the specially stringent efficiency and power density requirements that are typical of the aeronautic industry. This makes it specially challenging to determine which converter topology is best suited for each particular application. This work presents a thorough review of several topologies of bidirectional DC-DC power converters that are considered good candidates to meet certain important aeronautic requirements, as those related with high efficiency and high power density. We perform simulations on virtual prototypes, constructed by using detailed component models, and optimized following design criteria that are in accordance with those typically imposed by aeronautic requirements. This comparative analysis is aimed to clearly identify the advantages and drawbacks of each topology, and to relate them with the required voltage and power levels. As an outcome, we point out the topologies that, for the required power level at the chosen switching frequencies, yield higher efficiency in the whole range of required operation points and that are expected to allow more important weight reductions.

Low-Voltage Solid-State DC Breaker for Fault Protection Applications in Isolated DC Microgrid Cluster

Due to the interconnected scheme of multiple components, such as distributed generators, storage systems, and loads through converters to a common bus in DC microgrids, the possibility of fault occurrence is increasing significantly. Meanwhile, due to the huge and rapid increase of short-circuit currents, the development of a small- and large-scale DC system requires a reliable and fast protection system to ensure fault clearance and maintain safety for the rest of the system. Thus, fault protection has been focused on as one of the most critical issues in a direct current network. The application of traditional circuit-breakers for DC fault protection has the drawback of slow operation, which requires a high rating power equipment. Recently, the high speed and excellent performance capabilities of semiconductor breakers have attracted a lot of attention and been considered as an optimal solution for fast DC fault interruption. In this study, a bidirectional Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) semiconductor breaker, suitable for the fault protection of low-voltage DC networks, is proposed. The operating characteristics of this breaker are based on changes in the circuit current and terminal voltage of IGBTs. It detects the abrupt change of the terminal voltage as an abnormal condition and isolates the faulted branch in a short time to prevent the operation disturbance in the healthy part of the network. Therefore, for the entire protection of a typical 400V DC-microgrid cluster, breakers need to be integrated and examined in each branch and the interconnected lines. The proposed protection method in this study is examined in a Simulink®/MATLAB environment to analyze and assess its operation.

Protection Scheme for DC Microgrid Distribution System

The low voltage DC (LVDC) distribution system is a new concept and a promising technology to be used in the future smart distribution system having high level cost-efficiency and reliability. In this paper, a low-voltage (LV) DC microgrid protection system design is proposed. Usually, an LVDC microgrid must be connected to an ac grid through converters with bidirectional power flow and, therefore, a different protection scheme is needed. This paper describes practical protection solutions for the LVDC network and an LVDC system laboratory prototype is being experimentally tested by MATLAB/SIMULINK. The results show that it is possible to use available devices to protect such a system. But other problems may arise which needs further study.