Energies (Jan 2024)

Control Strategies and Stabilization Techniques for DC/DC Converters Application in DC MGs: Challenges, Opportunities, and Prospects—A Review

  • Aphrodis Nduwamungu,
  • Tek Tjing Lie,
  • Ioannis Lestas,
  • Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair,
  • Kosala Gunawardane

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030669
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 3
p. 669

Abstract

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DC microgrids (DC MGs) offer advantages such as efficiency, control, cost, reliability, and size compared to AC MGs. However, they often operate with numerous constant power loads (CPLs), exhibiting a negative incremental impedance characteristic that can lead to instability. This instability weakens stability boundaries and reduces system damping, especially when dealing with pulsed power loads (PPLs) on electric aircraft, ships, and cars. Linear controllers may not ensure stability across various operations, causing voltage dips and potential system instability. To secure DC/DC converter functionality and comply with impedance specifications, it is crucial to consider minor loop gain in control strategies and stabilization techniques. Employing diverse methods to decrease minor loop gain in DC/DC converters is essential. A comprehensive evaluation, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis, is conducted to assess control strategies, stabilization techniques, and stability standards for different DC/DC converters, identifying SWOT.

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