A general architecture for modular smart inverters

Abstract

At present, power supply systems all over the world are facing challenging situations where they have to be extremely flexible, reliable and expandable. Existing grids have to be modified due to the growing proportion of distributed and renewable energy sources. Power electronic inverters are the key components to couple different energy conversion systems and to manage their operation. To fulfill the changing demands of the growing smart grids, new concepts for inverter design are needed. In this paper an innovative concept for future oriented power systems - the modular inverter design - is detailed. The introduced concept offers the required flexibility and adaptability for modern power supply systems. Modularity supports faster customization while all inverter components still can be manufactured in mass production. Using up-to-date technologies and the introduced advanced inverter concept, modular, flexible, reliable and cost-effective power supply structures can be built up with less effort in design and maintenance. Furthermore, existing systems can be changed, rescaled and expanded.