Grid Integration Of Renewables

Most renewable energy sources require power electronic converters for integration into the power grid. For instance, wind generators produce variable frequency low voltage AC, necessitating a power converter to transform this variable frequency into a fixed line frequency (50/60Hz) AC. This power converter also plays a crucial role in maximizing the extraction of available power from renewable sources. The challenges and requirements for grid integration vary significantly across different renewable sources, such as wind and solar. Even within the same source, like solar energy, the grid integration issues differ between low-power rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems and large-scale utility solar parks. One of the main focus of our research is to develop improved solutions that enhance overall efficiency and reduce costs. For example, we are working on innovative solutions to replace the current state-of-the-art system, which uses a central inverter coupled with a line frequency transformer for the grid integration of utility-scale solar projects. Our goal is to find more efficient and cost-effective alternatives to existing solutions for grid integration of renewables.