Principal Investigator: Dr. Adel Nasiri and Dr. Alan Mantooth
A key to achieving zero-emissions in the energy generation, transportation, and distribution domains lies in development of highly reliable, efficient, cost-effective, and flexible power conversion allowing to maximize utilization of renewable energy resources, managing bidirectional power flow, EV charging, and loads prioritization. The energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the increasing penetration of distributed renewable energy sources, the rise of electric vehicles, and the growing need for more resilient and intelligent power grids. Traditional line-frequency transformers, designed for unidirectional, passive power transmission, struggle to meet these modern demands due to their size, limited control capabilities, and inefficiencies. Solid-state transformers (SSTs) represent a breakthrough in this regard, enabling active,
bidirectional power flow and the ability to manage multiple energy sources efficiently. The goal of this project is to develop, test, and validate a next-generation medium voltage (MV) Solid-State Transformer (SST) utilizing 10kV Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, aiming to revolutionize power conversion for modern electrical grids. As power distribution networks evolve to incorporate more renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and smart grid technologies, traditional transformers face limitations in efficiency, size, and control. This SST project offers a solution by providing a compact, highly efficient, and flexible alternative to line-frequency transformers. Bridge topology, innovative control, and modular structure will provide several benefits and advancements including increased efficiency and reliability, reduced size and weight, and advanced control, monitoring, and protection features compared with the-state-of-the-art platforms.
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