Reconfigurable Power Converters with Increased Utilization for Unbalanced Power Distribution System Applications

A low-cost reconfiguration stage connected at the output of balanced three-phase, multi-terminal ac/dc/ac converters can increase the feasible set of power injections substantially, increasing converter utilization and therefore achieving a lower system cost. However, the approach has yet to be explored for phase unbalance mitigation in power distribution networks, an important application for future energy systems. This study addresses this by considering power converter reconfiguration's potential for increasing the feasible set of power transfers of four-wire power converters. Reconfigurable topologies are compared against both conventional four-wire designs and an idealised, fully reconfigurable converter. Results show that conventional converters need up to 75.3% greater capacity to yield a capability chart of equivalent size to an idealised reconfigurable converter. The number and capacity of legs impact the capability chart's size, as do constraints on dc-side power injections. The proposed approach shows significant promise for maximizing the utilization of power electronics used to mitigate impacts of phase unbalance.