Novel Scalable Power Converters for Carbon-neutral Society

To achieve a sustainable future and more environmentally friendly cities, it is necessary to integrate significant amounts of energy storage and renewable power sources, such as batteries, solar, and wind, which are characterised by unpredictable weather fluctuations leading to wide voltage variations in these sources. Another real-world challenge is the demand for universal charging infrastructures, as modern technologies in electric vehicles (EVs) continue to evolve. All these necessitate the development of energy-efficient and compact power converters possessing wide-voltage-range conversion capabilities, as is the aim of this project. In this research project, the principal investigator (PI) will investigate, develop, and validate novel power converter topologies with a wide conversion range, high efficiency, and good power density, to enhance the performance and safe operation of the power processors used in the renewable energy systems and other applications such as EV chargers. The intended innovation in this research project of the ESPRIT program will be based on the concept of topological morphing to eliminate multistage power converters as demanded in the wide voltage range applications. This study will be a mixture of theoretical, simulation, and practical implementation of the novel converter to ascertain the proof of concept. Thus, the primary objectives of this project are to: (i) examine and implement scalable DC-DC converters with a wide conversion ratio. (ii) develop a comprehensive framework for operating, modelling, and controlling a new power processing architecture. (iii) integrate fundamental research and enable the widespread use of innovative skills leading to new power converter topologies for different applications through a graduate course. The findings of this work will provide the technological framework for exploring pilot research applications in high-power density converters and high-frequency magnetic designs. This project has the potential to make a significant contribution to the areas of power converter technologies and energy harvesting by offering unique solutions to the aforementioned longstanding challenges. The proposed research project is intended to stimulate innovations in energy-efficient technologies that are essential for the advancement of sustainable electrification.