PV Modules Interfacing Isolated Triple Active Bridge for Nanogrid Applications

Danilo Santoro, Iñigo Kortabarria, Andrea Toscani, Carlo Concari, Paolo Cova and Nicola Delmonte
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Danilo Santoro: Department of Architecture and Engineering, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
Iñigo Kortabarria: Electronic Technology Department, Faculty of Engineering in Bilbao, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Alameda de Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
Andrea Toscani: Department of Architecture and Engineering, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
Carlo Concari: Department of Architecture and Engineering, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
Paolo Cova: Department of Architecture and Engineering, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
Nicola Delmonte: Department of Architecture and Engineering, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-21

Abstract: DC nanogrid architectures with Photovoltaic (PV) modules are expected to grow significantly in the next decades. Therefore, the integration of multi-port power converters and high-frequency isolation links are of increasing interest. The Triple Active Bridge (TAB) topology shows interesting advantages in terms of isolation, Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) over wide load and input voltage ranges and high frequency operation capability. Thus, controlling PV modules is not an easy task due to the complexity and control stability of the system. In fact, the TAB power transfer function has many degrees of freedom, and the relationship between any of two ports is always dependent on the third one. In this paper we analyze the interfacing of photovoltaic arrays to the TAB with different solar conditions. A simple but effective control solution is proposed, which can be implemented through general purpose microcontrollers. The TAB is applied to an islanded DC nanogrid, which can be useful and readily implemented in locations where the utility grid is not available or reliable, and applications where isolation is required as for example More Electric Aircraft (MEA). Different conditions have been simulated and the control loops are proved for a reliable bus voltage control on the load side and a good maximum power point tracking (MPPT).

Keywords: triple active bridge; PV module; DC nanogrid; control analysis; three port converter (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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