Project

Renewable energy integration is becoming more relevant and popular During strenuous conditions, state of the art, grid following solar inverters become a burden to the grid, rather than a resource A smart solar inverter can help solve this problem This was the topic of the 2022 IEEE International Future Energy Challenge (IFEC).

Objectives:

• Develop 1 kVA solar inverter with efficiency >95%
• Provide frequency and voltage support during strenuous grid conditions
• Integrate new technology wide band gap GaN devices

System

Methods

• Designed LLC resonant dc-dc converter for 1 st stage of system, including a custom transformer, and a three leg inverter for 2 nd stage of system
• Utilized TI Launchpad microcontroller (TMS320F28379D) to control the system
• Used California Instruments MX 30 as grid emulator to test grid servicing functionality based on the following curves:

Conclusion

• Tested both frequency and voltage support capabilities of solar inverter
• System successfully provided grid services during strenuous conditions
• Future development includes increasing power level and adding battery storage
• Won the 2022 IEEE IFEC Worldwide Grand Prize