Power electronics technology is the core technology applied to the field of electric power, which realizes the conversion and control of electric energy through various electronic devices. This technology originated from the invention of semiconductor devices in the 50s of the 20th century, and with the continuous progress of science and technology, power electronics technology has been widely used in many fields, including industry, transportation, power systems, communication systems, computer systems, new energy systems and household appliances.
Power electronics technology relies on a variety of power electronic devices such as diodes, thyristors, gate-turnoff thyristors (GTOs), power transistors (GTRs), metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), etc. The converter technology is the core, which realizes the conversion and regulation of electrical energy by controlling the switching state of these devices.
In the industrial field, power electronics technology is used in motor control, power supply systems, electrochemical industry (such as electrolysis and electroplating) and metallurgical industry (such as induction heating and DC electric arc furnace), etc., to achieve precise control of power, speed, position and torque, greatly improving the level of industrial automation and production efficiency. In the field of transportation, power electronics technology is widely used in electrified railways and electric vehicles, mainly for power conversion and drive control, so as to improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles, such as the electric drive system of electric vehicles converts direct current from the battery into alternating current power from the drive motor through power electronic converters. In the power system, power electronics technology plays an important role in high-voltage direct current transmission, flexible AC transmission and reactive power compensation, for example, in long-distance, large-capacity transmission, DC transmission technology has advantages, and the rectifier valve at the transmission end and the inverter at the receiving end rely on power electronics.
Figure: Power electronics: a key force driving future development (Source: Wisdom Buds)
In addition, power electronics technology also plays a key role in the field of new energy, especially in the development and utilization of renewable energy such as solar energy and wind energy. For example, both wind and photovoltaic power both need to convert unstable electrical energy into stable alternating current and feed it into the grid. Similarly, in electronic devices, power electronics provide a stable and reliable power supply for information electronic devices such as computers and communication equipment. In household appliances, power electronics are used to improve energy efficiency and quality, such as energy-saving lamps and inverter air conditioners.
With the progress of science and technology and the rapid development of the new energy industry, power electronics technology will show a broader application prospect. Future trends include: improving the efficiency of power electronics and converters and reducing energy consumption; Combined with intelligent control and Internet of Things technology, the intelligent management of the power system is realized; Promote the modular and integrated design of power electronics to reduce system costs and improve reliability; and further promote green and low-carbon development in areas such as new energy power generation and electric vehicles.
All in all, power electronics technology has an important position in the development of the national economy, and with the progress of science and technology and industrial development, it will continue to grow and expand.
