Grant: Idea to Innovation

The global climate crisis has caused substantial development in the field of renewable energy resources. Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy harvested from solar panels is among the most popular forms of renewable energy. Still, the variation in the amount of power that is generated by solar panels necessitates the use of energy storage devices such as batteries. Both energy sources and storage devices are interfaced with electrical grids through devices known as power electronic converters, and in most cases the sources and storage devices must each have their own dedicated power electronic converter. The proposed work seeks to investigate and enhance the practical and commercial viability of a power electronic converter configuration that would allow multiple energy resources to be interfaced with the grid in one power conversion step. That is, both solar panels and batteries would be integrated into the grid with one converter instead of two separate converters, thereby significantly reducing the number of required power conversion stages. The proposed converter configuration also operates based on a number of algorithms that allow it to function more efficiently than the state-of-the-art converter topologies under a wide range of operating conditions, and in some cases, the algorithms are capable of reducing the current stress on the converter by up to 50%. The described technology is currently being protected by a provisional US Patent and will be further protected through a PCT application. Solar inverters constitute around 5-10% of the total cost of solar farms and it is estimated that the cost per unit energy spent on these inverters is 70 USD/kW in Canada. Commercial development of the proposed converter would accelerate the implementation of solar energy farms both in Canada and across the world, as the upfront costs of solar farms would be reduced since fewer power electronic converters would be used, thereby allowing for more convenient and cost-efficient grid integration. Successful completion of the proposed work will demonstrate the commercial value of the previously developed prototype in order to generate industry pull, and ultimately result in a spin-off company that would contribute towards Canada's commitment to a green and sustainable future.