Control of Bidirectional DC-DC Converter for Micro-Energy Grid’s DC Feeders' Power Flow Application

Abstract

Concerns about fuel exhaustion, electrical energy shortages, and global warming are growing due to the global energy crisis. Renewable energy-based distributed generators can assist in meeting rising energy demands. Micro-energy grids have become a research hotspot as a crucial interface for connecting the power produced by renewable energy resources-based distributed generators to the power system. The integration of micro-energy grid technology at the load level has been the focus of recent studies. Direct Current Micro-energy-grids have been one of the major research fields in recent years due to the inherent advantages of DC systems over AC systems, such as compatibility with renewable energy sources, storage devices, less losses, and modern loads. Nevertheless, control and stability of the grid are the paramount constituents for the reliable operation of power systems, whether at generation or load level. This research article focuses on the power flow between DC feeders of an autonomous DC micro-energy grid. To achieve this objective, a mathematical model and classical control strategy for power flow between two DC feeders are proposed using a conventional dual active bridge converter. The control objective is to minimize the DC element in the High-Frequency Transformer. Firstly, the non-linear-switched converter model and generalized average model for converter control are presented. Then, these mathematical models are used to get a small-signal linear model so a classical control strategy can be implemented. The control method enables output voltage regulation while abstaining from the high-frequency transformer's winding saturation. The stability analysis endorses the validity of the proposed control scheme. Also, the system response to load changes and varying control parameters is consistent. The simulation results validate the proposal's performance for changing converter and control parameters.