Dual-Purpose Converters for DC or AC Grid as Energy Transition Solution: Perspectives and Challenges

We present a novel concept of a dual-purpose power converter for dc or ac grids. These universal dc-dc/ac power electronic interfaces are suitable for application in the dc or single-phase or three-phase ac grids using the same terminals. The idea is to utilize the same semiconductors and passive components in the dc-ac and in the dc-dc configurations with minimal additional components and to maximize their effectiveness in any mode. Possible realizations along with challenges of simultaneous application of dc and ac grids are discussed. The Conclusion section addresses different fields of application and the main benefits, challenges, and future research.

Automated summary

We propose a new concept of a dual-purpose power converter for both dc and ac grids. These universal dc-dc/ac power electronic interfaces can be used in both dc and single-phase or three-phase ac grids with the same terminals. By utilizing the same semiconductors and passive components in different configurations, we aim to maximize their effectiveness in any mode with minimal additional components. We discuss possible realizations and challenges of simultaneously applying dc and ac grids.