USB-C/AC Inverter for Rural Electrification

Abstract

This thesis focuses on analysing, troubleshooting and testing a USB-C to AC Inverter with USB-C power delivery, as well as implementing control- and protection systems for the flyback converter and implementing the H-Bridge switching control. The starting point of this project is a design that has already been manufactured as a PCB by DC Opportunities. A description of the existing design will be given, complemented with the implementation of the control and protection systems. Furthermore, an overview of the testing process will be portrayed and the results will be presented and interpreted. The USB-C input will use the power delivery protocol and a Flyback converter to get to 400V DC, followed by a full-bridge inverter for a 230Vrms AC output.

The inverter is part of a rural electrification project in which the goal is to provide electricity to people in rural, unelectrified areas. Initially, electricity is to be provided in the form of a charging station at a central kiosk or shop where appliances such as phones can be charged. Gradually, people can climb up the electrification ladder by purchasing power banks that can be charged at the charging station to provide the user with electricity in their home. Eventually, people will move further up the electrification ladder all the way to local generation via solar panels with battery storage at home. When enough people have local generation, a DC micro-grid can be constructed. The USB-C to AC inverter is there to give people the possibility to use AC powered appliances while the number of available DC powered appliances is limited. This gives people more options, while still keeping the advantages of a DC power system