Integrating multi-sources in order to deliver power to a single load is a technical challenge. At UCF, the team is exploring the design and development of multi-port power electronics systems for both grid-tied and stand-alone applications as shown in the two figures below. Features of each application are shown as well.
Grid-Tied Applications
Motivation
- Better integration
- Less components
- Lower cost
- Easy interface to renewable sources
Challenges
- Invention of a multi-pot topology with isolation, bidirectional capability and high efficiency
- Modeling and control issues due to port interaction
- Module parallel operation issues.
Stand-Alone Space Applications
[graphic and photo of multi-port converters for space applications]
In the below multi-channel, multi-port converter structure graphic, each channel is an independent sub-system with fault tolerance. The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) will be applied as much as possible, and the battery charge control will be applied whenever necessary.
