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Power Electronics
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Power electronics devices hold substantial promise for transforming the electric power system. High voltage power electronics allow precise and rapid switching of electric power to support long distance transmission. Lower voltage power electronics can be used in power distribution, and in the interface between customers and the electric grid. Power electronics are at the heart of the interface among energy storage, distributed generation, and the electric system.
Barriers to the expanded use of power electronics include relatively high costs and a lack of information on their proven performance, reliability, and durability over a period of time in real-world applications. While power electronics devices can be applied in place of traditional power devices such as switches, controllers, capacitors, and condensers, they have the capability to perform several of these functions within a single device. This capability presents numerous opportunities for expanding functionality and improving system operations.
Technology needs for power electronics include both near and long term opportunities. Over the next 5-20 years, advances in power electronics technologies could revolutionize many aspects of power system operations and planning, including the expanded use of direct current for both transmission and distribution. While the long-term opportunities are substantial, there are near-term opportunities that need to be explored more intensively than they are today.
Power Electronics Test Facility
More information on the cost and performance of power electronics in real-world applications is needed to expand the use of them today. This means more field tests and demonstrations of existing prototypes and equipment. This will help utilities and manufacturers to get a better understanding of the value proposition for power electronics. Cost may be somewhat higher for power electronics devices, but in many applications these costs can be offset by improved performance and expanded functionality. Field tests will also be helpful to manufacturers in identifying problems and making corrections in advance of product scale-up. This will help to verify and validate product performance and possibly lead to reductions in costs and improvements in reliability.
A significant near-term need is for a national power electronics test facility. This would be a place where utilities and manufacturers could evaluate performance on power electronics devices and conduct tests of a variety of parameters under a range of operating and environmental conditions.
The initial step in creating a national power electronics test facility is to see what capabilities currently exist at utilities, laboratories, and universities. The role of the federal government will depend on what capabilities exist. The purpose of GridWorks involvement is to help coordinate and facilitate the evolution of a power electronics test facility.
The potential power electronics test facility would eventually be self-sustaining. Government support would be replaced by industry support for the test facility.
Power Switches and Other Devices
One of the most basic power system devices is the switch. A top priority technology need is for power electronics switches with the capability for high voltage, high frequency, and high current and power density operations, with little or no cooling requirements, and a favorable cost-to-value relationship. This will require more research into the properties and suitability of advanced materials. There is interest in exploring new materials; "going beyond silicon."
Diamonds and silicon-carbide are promising materials for use in power electronics. Most of the effort will be focuses on exploring these materials for power electronics applications.
Linkages
Coordination activities will take place with OE's HTS and Storage activities. Outside of OE, GridWorks will have coordination will other federal entities such as the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and the national laboratories. Activities will also be coordinated will universities and private organizations, such as EPRI.
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