Micro Converter Networks – MICONET 2

Micro Converter Network project aims is focused on two main research branches. The first one deals with the study and the analysis of generic networks of converters in place customized design of specific converters for most of DC to Dc power conversion application. The second research branch investigate the technological and technical opportunities related to this approach. Four laboratories are joining their expertise and recent
research results to form a critical and complementary association able to fulfill the many topics related to this upstream project. The project is divided on four work packages with a tight collaboration among all partners in all of them. We'll be at first looking at the complete definition of the architecture of the network as o function of the concept developed in the project but also with respect to the selection of the elementary cell and the global technological issues related to. Then a specific work package is dedicated to the design of the active and passive parts of the elementary cell where as some specific points will be investigated deeply. We can notice for examples the work on the control part, its distribution, operation and implementation, the work on the network actuators, allowing to configurate and to improve the global reliability of the network. In parallel to these tasks, technological investigations will be carried out in order to identify and to select possible and compatible specific technologies required for the
implementation and the assembly of large array of elementary cells. Mainly, magnetic passive component technologies will be developed while
capacitors on silicon will be purchased and characterized. Secondly, a large part of investigation and technological appropriation will be carried out toward MCM technologies in order to evaluate state of the art and to adapt them to our specifications. The last task of the project is dedicated to the application of this work with two original applications for solar and bio-batteries power management. A special car will be given to apply the micro converter network to several applications in order to check if the concepts and additional research results produced during the project are valuable in this direction. As it can be seen, the project deals with design, technical and technological issues making important the collaboration among several partners. It deals with numerous research topics that are core research activities of the partners and subcontracting partners. With the opportunity to work with service and technology suppliers such as 3DPHI GIS and CIME Nanotech-PTA platforms, we are well organized to fulfill the projects goals and objectives. The results of the project will be benefic for the academic community with the demonstration of a really new way to imagine, design and manufacture power converters. Il will be also good for our national industry which may use the results to offer power management solutions for multicell power sources coming from renewable energy or to offer generic and flexible solutions for the DC-DC conversion (mainly boost operation) for PAC, and array of solar panel for connecting to the mains.