Optimizing renewable energy systems: A review of power electronics converter technologies

Abstract

Renewable energy integration relies heavily on power electronics converters, which play a crucial role in efficiently harnessing and supplying energy to the grid. However, challenges such as switching losses, electromagnetic interference, and thermal management persist, hindering the performance and reliability of these systems. This review examines recent advances in converter topologies, including multilevel inverters and buck-boost variants, as well as control strategies like pulse-width modulation and maximum power point tracking. We also explore the potential of artificial intelligence-based approaches and efficiency enhancers like soft-switching and wide-bandgap semiconductors. Synthesizing findings from 29 peer-reviewed studies published between 2017 and 2024, we identify key trade-offs between efficiency, cost, and complexity. A novel taxonomy for optimizing renewable energy systems is proposed, highlighting areas for improvement. Notably, scalability limitations for hybrid microgrids and the underexplored potential of AI-WBG synergies are identified as significant research gaps. Future research directions focus on developing hybrid architectures that achieve >98% efficiency in variable-load scenarios, thereby supporting sustainable energy transitions in line with UN SDG7. This review aims to inform the design and development of next-generation power electronics converters for renewable energy applications, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and sustainable energy future.