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Module 1: Power Device Basics

1. Need for power conversion
2. Power conversion circuits
3. Power device characteristics and classification

Traditional Power Distribution

Transformer based à AC power

• Centralized system
• Voltage up and down conversion from
power plant to customer using
transformers
• Long distance transmission (~ 1MV)
• Substations
• Street-level distribution (14.4 kV)
• Transformers providing 120V single
phase and 208V/480V 3-phase power
to end users

1.1.1

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Emerging/alternate power generation

Power-electronics enabled
• Decentralized system
• Power management challenge
• Multiple power sources
• Traditional (coal, oil, gas, nuclear)
• Renewable (Hydroelectric, Solar, Wind)
• Variable power management
• Current and voltage conditioning
• Grid connected
• DC-to-AC conversion (Solar)
• Need for storage (AC-to-DC conversion)

1.1.2

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AC versus DC Power
Alternating Current Direct Current
• Enables the use of transformers • Alternate power sources
• High-voltage transmission • Solar panels/fuel cells
• Lower distribution loss
• Lower distribution cost
• Energy efficiency
• LED lighting
• 3-phase AC power
• Rotating magnetic field
• Electro-chemical processes
• Brushless induction motors • Batteries (storage)
• More efficient power transmission • Galvanization
• 2x power per wire for the same current • Electrolysis (H2 generation)
à Both are needed
à AC-to-DC, DC-to-DC and DC-to-AC conversion are needed

1.1.3

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Example 1:
Small grid-connected Solar system with storage
Local DC load Local AC load Switching to
LED lighting Appliances etc. and from the
Electronics power grid

Solar panel MPPT* Battery DC-to-AC inverter 120 V AC

48 V charger 48V Grid synchronization and
2,000 W 440 Ah voltage/current control

Conversion requirement
MPPT charger: Current and voltage control
Inverter: DC-to-AC conversion
Grid connection: single phase inverter: Synchronized DC-to-AC inverter

*MPPT: Maximum Power Point Tracking

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Example 2:
Electric vehicle
3-phase
Battery Regeneration
charger AC-to-DC induction
motor

AC power Battery Buck/boost 3-phase

Battery
120/208 V 300 V DC converter Inverter
charger
100 – 500 V 20 – 80 Hz

Conversion requirement:
Fast battery charger: Rectifier, current and voltage control
Buck/Boost converter: DC-to-DC conversion
3-Phase inverter: DC-to-AC inverter with variable frequency
Regeneration: AC-to-DC conversion, with current and voltage control

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Power conversion requirements

To \ From AC power source DC power source
DC load 1. Rectification 2. DC-to-DC converters
Diode rectification Buck and boost converters
Bridge rectifiers
SCR switched rectifiers

Examples: Examples:
DC power supplies Voltage control of inverters
Electroplating DC motor speed control

AC load 3. AC switching 4. Inverters

TRIACs Single phase invertor
DIACs Three-phase inverter

Examples: Examples:
Traction (trains etc.) Solar to the grid
Lightbulb dimmers EV motor drive
Variable frequency control of HVAC
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