Optimized Power Converter Architecture for Renewable Integration in DC Microgrid Applications

ABSTRACT An improved topology‐based converter, which is appropriate for microgrid applications, is proposed in this research. In this work, a SEPIC and a DAB converter are used to integrate the PV and storage system into the DC microgrid. A pico‐hydro and PV combination is proposed, which guarantees a continuous supply since pico‐hydro provides steady generation. This combination is best suitable for rural electrification where grid extension or large hydro is not feasible. The boost converter's limitation on maximum power point (MPP) tracking at irradiance variations is removed by the SEPIC converter. Galvanic isolation and intrinsic voltage gain are provided by the DAB converter, which is essential at high voltage levels. This setup has five connections and is easily expandable in the future. To stabilize the DC link voltage, four controllers (PI, IMC, 2DOF, and FOPID) are designed, and a thorough comparative study is carried out in the simulation. MATLAB/Simulink software is used to simulate the proposed topology, and laboratory testing confirms all the findings.