Multiport Converter to Enhance Supply Reliability and Local Grid Strength

Research Project, 2023 – 2025

The increasing integration of renewable energy in the electricity system plays a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emission from the energy system. However, there are still barriers for expanding the utilization of renewable generators, including hydro, wind and solar PV, especially when operating in island mode as a backup power supply or
when connecting to a weak power grid. This project aims to identify key factors that hinder the application of these renewable generators under island operation mode and weak grid connections. Furthermore, strategies will be developed to overcome these hinders by using a so-called multiport converter, which is able to assist the operation of
the renewable generators by rerouting flexible power available from a neighbouring grid. In this way, the need for extra energy storage capacity can be reduced. Findings will be further verified in a Power Hardware-in-the-Loop experimental setup.