power electronics summary and future developments
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Power Electronics Summary and Future Developments | Power Circuits
Power CircuitsPresenting the many facets of modern power electronics engineering.
Power Electronics Summary and Future Developments
February 1, 2015 admin Leave a comment
Much of the historical discussion in previous posts have described the special semiconductors used for power conversion circuits. The special energy
processing applications addressed by power electronics have also been described. Not long ago, the devices were in many ways the limiting factor in
converter design. The fast pace of change in devices has brought about entire new families of power electronic applications, and devices are less and
less constraining. The important classes of power electronic components routinely reach power handling levels of at least equal to household appliance loads,
to small industrial process, or to elements of automobiles. Today’s designer chooses a circuit and device because it is a good match for the application.
Many alternatives are often available. It has been said that power electronics is a ‘device-driven’ field. This is not longer the case. Now, the field has become a
true ;applications-driven’ subject. This trend will continue into applications across all aspects of modern life including industrial robots, portable electronics
http://powercircuits.net/power-electronics-summary-future-developments/ (1 of 4) [4/16/2015 7:03:53 PM]
Power Electronics Summary and Future Developments | Power Circuits
and communications, electric vehicles, and alternative energy sources.
Key opportunities include:
1. Electronic AC motor drives. These offer a revolution in energy conservation and industrial processes. It is now possible to use sophisticated controls for
refrigerators, fans, conveyors, and robotic arms. Energy usage can be reduced considerably in nearly all applications by the use of smart devices.
2. Electric transportation. Power electronics is the cornerstone of modern initiatives for electric, hybrid, and alternative vehicles. Today, power electronics can
run commercial electric cars at over 130 mph. Battery energy can be conserved well enough for practical cars to reach over 260 miles of range with
conventional batteries. Novel ideas and innovation are needed for the best designs.
Illustration of the modern smart-grid. Some form of power electronics are
needed at every step.
3. Electrical systems for high-efficiency lighting and appliances. Modern fluorescent lights are many times more efficient
that incandescent bulbs. The require high-frequency power electronics for optimum operation. LED lighting is
currently pushing the boundaries of efficient lighting and requires similar power conversion for DC operation. Similar
new developments extend to appliances such as microwave ovens, washer/dryer sets, and nearly every other major
home energy consumer.
4. Power supplies for telecommunications. There are billions of people without telephones or means of global
communication. Many developing countries do not plan to build expensive hardwired networks. Satellite links,
wireless communications, and other new technologies must be integrated with existing equipment. Each different
application has unique power supply needs.
5. Power supplies in battery-based portable products. Energy conservation is crucial in battery systems. Proper use of power electronics can easily make a
50% difference of more in battery life. Converters for applications below 5 V, levels typical of portable electronics, provide a special challenge.
6. Power electronic application in electric utility networks. It is possible to extend conversion advantages to extremely high power levels. Active systems with
fast control of all energy flows can be imagined. This gives a tremendous range of opportunities for lower cost and more efficient electricity distribution.
Novel power electronic methods are being applied to audio amplifiers, cell phones, and microprocessors. The list is long, and there is need for skilled engineers
who can apply the methods in unconventional ways.http://powercircuits.net/power-electronics-summary-future-developments/ (2 of 4) [4/16/2015 7:03:53 PM]
Power Electronics Summary and Future Developments | Power Circuits
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