Design, simulation and experimental validation of a multiport electrical converter for Standalone Building-Integrated Photovoltaic systems

Abstract

Renewable energies have been growing worldwide in the recent years to avoid environmental degradation. Among the renewable sources, solar energy is regarded as the most promising candidate and is expected to be the foundation of a sustainable energy economy, as sunlight is the most abundant resource. Recently, standalone building integrated photovoltaic systems (SBIPVs) have risen as a solution to reduce the electrical needs of buildings, in which photovoltaic cells are integrated into the construction envelope. The need for further integration between photovoltaic systems and batteries is of paramount importance, requiring an improvement in the energy conversion paradigm.

The development of a three-port bidirectional converter for SBIPVs is the main focus of this project. A review of currently in research topologies is done, selecting the most suitable for the application. A theoretical analysis of the selected topology is performed, with a validation of the computations present in the reference paper. A simulation of the converter circuit is designed to assess its different characteristics and operating range. A design procedure is followed with a choice of the different parameters that will define the converter in order to meet the requirements of the application in hand, with a theoretical and simulation analysis process. A prototype of the designed converter is finally done to experimentally validate its functionality through a testing phase.