Abstract

Background: This work describes the methodology and the basic procedure developed by the patent entitled DC-DC Converter with Bipolar Output and its Use for Connection of a Distributed Generation System to a Bipolar DC Grid.

Methods: The invention relates to a DC-DC converter capable of generating bipolar voltage with a suitable novel topology for distributed generation connection to a DC bipolar grid. The proposed topology uses only a power switch, unlike other DC-DC converters which employ two or four switches.

Thus the complexity of the converter is reduced. The DC-DC converter with bipolar output has an input for connection to a monopolar DC source and a bipolar output voltage with a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The DC-DC converter can be applied to bipolar DC grids because it allows the connection of a monopolar DC source to such networks. The present invention is especially applicable in the industrial sector and renewable energies. In the first case, because this network type is an alternative to classic electric system, currently of interest special in the industry. In this sector, the proposed converter can control the voltage level and possible unbalances of the DC voltage network. On the other hand, in the renewable energy sector, the proposed scheme enables the connection of generation and storage systems to a bipolar DC network in a way reliably.

Result: The proposed topology is a solution for these applications with sufficient guarantees of reliability, quality and performance.

Conclusion: An experimental prototype based on a combination of SEPIC (Single Ended Primary Converter) and Cuk converter has been implemented to validate the patented system.

Keywords: DC-DC converters, DC microgrids, distributed generation, DC bipolar network, experimental prototype, SE-C4CC.

Graphical Abstract