Cited by 506Advanced DC-DC ConvertersMultilevel Inverters and ConvertersHigh-Voltage Power Transmission Systems

Applicability of solid-state transformers in today's and future distribution grids

Huber, Jonas E., Kolar, Johann W.·2019·IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid

Abstract

Solid-state transformers (SSTs) are power electronic converters that provide isolation between a medium-voltage and a low-voltage (LV) system using medium-frequency transformers. The power electronic stages enable full-range control of the terminal voltages and currents and hence of the active and reactive power flows. Thus, SSTs are envisioned as key components of a smart grid. Various SST concepts have been proposed and analyzed in literature concerning technical aspects. However, several issues could potentially limit the applicability of SSTs in distribution grids. Therefore, this paper discusses four essential challenges in detail. It is found that SSTs are less efficient than low-frequency transformers (LFTs), yet their prospective prices are significantly higher. Furthermore, SSTs are not compatible with the protection schemes employed in today's LV grids, i.e., they are not drop-in replacements for LFTs. The limited voltage control range typically required in distribution grids can be provided by competing solutions, which do not involve power electronics (e.g., LFTs with tap changers), or by hybrid transformers, where the comparably inefficient power electronic stage processes only a fraction of the total power. Finally, potential application scenarios of SSTs (ac-dc, dc-dc, weight/space limited applications) are discussed. All considerations are distilled into an applicability flowchart for SST technology.

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Crossref · 10.1109/tsg.2017.2738610

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Authors
Huber, J. E., & Kolar, J. W.
Affiliations
ETH Zurich (CH)
Venue
IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid
Published
2019-01
Volume
10
Issue
1
Pages
317-326
ISSN
  • 1949-3053 (ISSN-L)
  • 1949-3061
OpenAlex
W2744051429
Cited by
506
References
49
Citations by year
2026: 36 · 2025: 68 · 2024: 71 · 2023: 92 · 2022: 69 · 2021: 62 · 2020: 57 · 2019: 40 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 1
FWCI
12.28
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › Advanced DC-DC Converters
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › Multilevel Inverters and Converters
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › High-Voltage Power Transmission Systems
Keywords
solid-state transformer, distribution networks, medium frequency transformer, power converters, low-frequency transformers, tap changers, hybrid transformer, voltage regulation, power flow control, protection schemes, smart grid, efficiency, applicability assessment

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