A general modular design methodology for flexible smart grid inverters

At present, power supply systems all over the world are facing challenging situations where they have to be extremely flexible, reliable and expandable. Due to the growing proportion of distributed and renewable energy sources, existing grids have to be revised. Power electronic inverters are the grid interfaces for energy converting systems and a key component to control and manage the energy systems operation. To fulfill the requirements for tomorrow's energy systems, new concepts for flexible and adaptable inverter design are needed. In this paper an innovative concept for future oriented power system integration - the modular inverter design - is presented for three phase inverters. The introduced concept offers the required flexibility and adaptability for modern power supply systems. Modularity supports fast and simple 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 with less effort in design and maintenance. Furthermore, modular systems can be changed, rescaled and expanded even after implementation. The proposed design approach proved its strengths in a laboratory test installation. Results of test runs are given at the end if this paper.