POWER ELECTRONICS

What is Power Electronics?

Definition: Power electronics involves the study of electronic circuits intended to control the
flow of electrical energy and their applications. These circuits handle power flow at levels
much higher than the individual device ratings.

Fig: Advanced topics in electronics Fig: Control, energy, and power electronics are
interrelated.
The power handling rating of a given device is the product of the voltage rating and the current
rating.
Need for Electrical Conversion:
Electrical conversion is needed to change electricity from one form (like AC to DC, or one
voltage level to another) to match the requirements of different devices and systems.
Rectifiers are devices that convert AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current).
Diodes are electronic components that allow current to flow in only one direction and are used
in rectifiers.
Inverters convert DC supply to AC supply.
Power transistors are electronic switches used in inverters to control and convert electrical
power efficiently.
Motor drive applications use electronic circuits to control the speed, direction, and torque of
electric motors in machines, fans, pumps, and electric vehicles.
Power supplies provide the required voltage and current to electronic devices.
DC-DC conversion changes one DC voltage level to another to match the needs of different
components.
Switched Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) are efficient power supplies that use high-speed
switching devices to convert electrical power with minimal energy loss.
Alternative energy processing involves converting renewable energy sources like solar,
wind, or fuel cells into usable electrical power for homes, industries, and devices.
The Energy Future: Power Electronics as a Revolution
Power electronics play a key role in shaping the energy future by enabling efficient control and
conversion of electricity from renewable sources, improving energy saving, smart grid
operations, and supporting electric vehicles and sustainable technologies.
Summary of Chronology of Electronic Power Conversion:
Decade Device / Technology Key Contribution / Conversion Technology
Basic AC–DC conversion using electromechanical
1880s Transformers, Motor-generators
methods
1900s Vacuum Diodes First major applications in electronics
1920s Mercury-arc Tubes Controlled rectification and AC–DC, DC–AC circuits
1930s Selenium Rectifiers, Grid Control Early AC–AC conversion techniques
1940s Magnetic Amplifiers Power amplifiers for electronic control
High-voltage DC transmission and electronic
1950s Semiconductor Diodes
conversion advances
Silicon-controlled Rectifiers Practical and controllable high-power AC–DC
1960s
(SCRs) conversion
1970s Power Bipolar Transistors Easier AC–DC and DC–DC conversion techniques
Power Field-effect Transistors Improved DC–DC conversion; rise of power
1980s
(FETs) electronics as a discipline
Insulated Gate Bipolar Widely used for most power conversion
1990s
Transistors (IGBTs) applications
2000s Power Blocks, SiC Devices Efficient systems; focus on optimized applications
Growth in LEDs, renewables, and compact power
2010s GaN Devices
systems

🔌 1. The Basic Objectives

 Convert electrical energy from one form to another as needed by the application.
 Types of electrical conversion:
o AC to DC – Rectification
o DC to AC – Inversion
o DC to DC – Voltage conversion
o AC to AC – Frequency/voltage conversion

 Purpose:
o Match source with device requirements.
 o Enable efficient and safe energy use.
o Improve overall system functionality.

⚡ 2. The Efficiency Objective – The Switch

 Goal: Minimize power losses during conversion.
 Efficiency formula:
Efficiency (%) = (Output Power / Input Power) × 100
 Switching devices (like MOSFETs, IGBTs) operate in:
o ON state – conducts current with low resistance.
o OFF state – blocks current completely.
 Advantage:
o Reduces heat loss
o Increases energy savings
 Example: Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS)
🔧 3. The Reliability Objective – Simplicity and Integration
 Aim: Ensure stable and long-lasting performance.
 Methods:
o Use simple circuit designs.
o Employ integrated modules to reduce connections and errors.
o Choose reliable semiconductor components.
 Benefits:
o Fewer faults
o Easier maintenance
o Reduced cost and complexity
 Integration enables:
o Compact, high-performance systems.
o Advanced control and safety features.
Efficient, reliable, and purpose-oriented electrical conversion is essential for powering modern
systems from mobile phones to renewable energy grids.

Important Variables and Notation

 Average Power: The useful energy flowing at a point in the circuit.
 Peak Voltage and Current: The highest values of voltage and current. These
helps decide the size and rating of devices.
 Average Voltage and Current (DC values): The steady values in the circuit,
especially in DC systems.
 RMS Voltage and Current: These are used to calculate average power in resistors and
also show how much energy is lost as heat. RMS values are important for analysing
converter losses.
  Waveforms: Graphs of voltage and current over time. They help in understanding how
a circuit behaves.
 Device Power Loss: Switches are not perfect—they lose a small amount of power when
operating.

POWER ELECTRONICS APPLICATIONS: A UNIVERSAL ENERGY ENABLER

Power electronics plays a vital role in modern energy systems by efficiently converting,
controlling, and delivering electrical energy across a wide range of applications. It acts as a
universal energy enabler by making renewable and smart energy systems practical and
efficient.
🌞 1. Solar Energy Architectures
 Power electronics is used to convert DC output from solar panels to AC suitable for
home or grid use.
 Key Components:
o DC-DC Converters – Regulate panel voltage for maximum power point tracking
(MPPT).
o Inverters – Convert DC to AC for local use or grid feeding.
o Charge Controllers – Protect batteries in off-grid systems.
 Applications:
o Rooftop solar systems
o Solar farms
o Off-grid power backup
2. Wind Energy Architectures
 Wind turbines generate variable frequency AC which must be converted to fixed
frequency AC.
 Key Power Electronics:
o AC-DC-AC Converters – Convert variable AC to DC and back to stable AC.
o Pitch control systems – Use power electronics to adjust blade angles.
o Grid-tie inverters – Synchronize power with the grid.
 Applications:
o Onshore and offshore wind farms
o Hybrid wind-solar systems
🌊 3. Tide and Wave Architectures
 Ocean energy systems generate irregular and low-frequency power.
 Power electronics helps stabilize and convert this energy for useful applications.

 Used Devices:
o Rectifiers and inverters – Convert irregular AC to stable grid-compatible AC.
o DC storage systems – For storing captured tidal energy before use.
  Challenges Addressed:
o Harsh marine environment
o Unstable power generation
 Applications:
o Coastal power stations
o Remote island electrification
🚗 4. Electric Transportation Architectures
 Power electronics enables efficient use of energy in electric vehicles (EVs), trains, and
aircraft.
 Main Components:
o DC-DC converters – Manage voltage levels between battery and motor.
o Inverters – Convert battery DC to AC for motor drive.
o Motor drives – Control speed and torque of electric motors.
o Charging systems – Fast chargers use high-power electronic converters.
 Applications:
o Electric cars and buses
o High-speed trains
o Electric aircraft and drones
Power electronics is the backbone of modern energy systems. It enables efficient integration,
conversion, and control of renewable energy and electric transport—making it a key technology
for a sustainable energy future.