Currently, high-performance power conversion requirements are of increasing interest in microgrid applications. In fact, isolated bidirectional dc-dc converters are widely used in modern dc distribution systems. The dual active bridge (DAB) dc-dc converter is identified as one of the most promising converter topology for the mentioned applications, due to its benefits of high power density, electrical isolation, bidirectional power flow, zero-voltage switching, and symmetrical structure. This study presents a power management control scheme in order to ensure the power balance of a dc microgrid in stand-alone operation, where the renewable energy source (RES) and the battery energy storage (BES) unit are interfaced by DAB converters. The power management algorithm, as introduced in this work, selects the proper operation of the RES system and BES system, based on load/generation power and state-of-charge of the battery conditions. Moreover, a nonlinear robust control strategy is proposed when the DAB converters are in voltage-mode-control in order to enhance the dynamic performance and robustness of the common dc-bus voltage, in addition to overcoming the instability problems that are caused by constant power loads and the dynamic interactions of power electronic converters. The simulation platform is developed in MATLAB/Simulink, where a photovoltaic system and battery system are selected as the typical RES and BES, respectively. Assessments on the performance of the proposed control scheme are conducted. Comparisons with the other control method are also provided.

This study presents the design and evaluation of robust controllers, based on linear programming, Kharitonov's theorem and Chebyshev's theorem, in order to enhance the performance of a typical structure of multi-stage converters present in direct current (dc) systems. In such electric power distribution systems, point-of-load converters act as a constant power load (CPL), which introduces a destabilizing nonlinear effects to their supply bus voltage. The multi-stage converter system uses a simplified scheme based on cascaded converter, which is comprised of two dc-dc buck converter in series connection. The robust controllers evaluated overcome the negative incremental impedance instability problem due to CPL, which causes a high risk of instability in interconnected converters. Thereby, the robust controllers evaluated ensure robust control performance and stability with a minor performance degradation compared to a conventional controller when the cascaded converter system is subjected to parametric uncertainties. The control methodologies evaluated are applied in both dc-dc buck converters. Assessments on the performance of the control methodologies evaluated are conducted. Experimental validations on a 150-W dc-dc cascaded converter system test board are carried out to verify the theoretical claims.

This paper presents the design of a predictive controller for a boost converter and validation through real-time simulation. First, the boost converter was mathematically modeled, and then the electronic components were designed to meet the operation requirements. Subsequently, a model-based predictive controller (MBPC) and a digital PI (Proportional–Integral) controller were designed, and their performance was compared using MATLAB/SIMULINK^®. The controls were further verified by implementing test benches based on an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) with an OPAL-RT real-time simulator, which included the RT-LAB and RT-eFPGAsim simulation packages. These tests were successfully carried out, and the methodology used for this design was validated. The results showed a better response obtained with MBPC, both in terms of stabilization time and lower overvoltage.

Hydropower-dependent electricity systems, such as Ecuador’s, face critical supply disruptions during droughts: a vulnerability exemplified by the 2024 power outages. This study assesses the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of a 200.84 MWp grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) plant proposed for the Pacific Refinery site in Manabi, Ecuador, as a strategy to diversify the energy matrix and reduce hydrological risk. Using site-specific solar resource data (4.65 kWh/m²/day) and PVSyst simulations, the plant achieves an annual energy production of 295 GWh with a performance ratio (PR) of 85.3%. A discounted cash flow analysis over 25 years, assuming a 7% discount rate and an electricity price of 60 USD/MWh, yields a net present value (NPV) of 104.9 MUSD, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 62.2%, and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 14.5 USD/MWh, well below current industrial tariffs in Ecuador. Sensitivity analysis confirms project viability under ±15% variations in investment cost, energy price, and solar resource. Over its lifetime, the plant avoids 1.83 Mt of CO₂ emissions, supporting national decarbonization goals. The results demonstrate that large-scale PV deployment in high-radiation, low-latitude regions can be highly profitable and contribute to energy sovereignty in hydropower-dependent systems. Furthermore, this study provides a replicable model for repurposing unused industrial land for renewable energy generation, offering actionable insights for policymakers and investors in developing economies.