Power architectures for the integration of photovoltaic generation systems in DC-microgrids

This paper describes a preliminary analysis on the integration of renewable energy systems in smart microgrids. The initial theoretical evaluations are referred to the case study of a laboratory DC microgrid interconnecting: electric mobility, stationary storage systems and renewable energy sources in a smart grid scenario. Specific power architectures for the integration of a 7kWp solar generation system with the considered microgrid are analysed and compared, in terms of efficiency and costs, in order to support the choice and the design of optimal solutions. Modeling and simulations of the related components are carried out in Matlab-Simulink environment in order to evaluate the performance of different embedded maximum power point tracking techniques, working in balanced and unbalanced irradiance conditions for the considered PV generation system. The promising results and the considerations reported in this paper highlight the importance of using the proposed smart power architectures and the related control techniques to support the optimal use of sustainable energy generation systems.