Future role of power electronics in power systems

Abstract

Power electronics is in the early stages of significant technological opportunities which will greatly enhance the role and value of electricity in all aspects from generation to the end of use. Power electronics represents an enabling means in enhancing the role and value of electricity. The basic functions of importance for power electronics are (1) power conversion, ac to dc, dc to ac, ac to ac, (2) power conditioning to remove distortion, harmonics, voltage dips and overvoltages, (3) high speed and/or frequent control of electrical parameters such as currents, voltage impedance, and phase angle, and (4) high speed and/or frequent circuit interruption transfer, and current limiting functions.