ABSTRACT
Power electronics as part of a smart grid infrastructure enables full exploitation of distributed generation, renewable energy sources and energy storage, maintaining and often improving the hitherto state of the power supply security, system stability and quality of electrical energy. Smart grids increasingly include controllable power electronic circuits and equipment to make the best use of existing electric networks, maintain and improving the flexibility, supply security and optimum power system operation and to facilitate the connection of renewable energy resources at all voltage levels. In the smart grids, there are increasing uses and integration not only to the power distribution networks but also into the transmission subsystems of distribute generation and energy storage systems, electric vehicles or heat pumps. Moreover, flexible and controllable loads are expected to support smart grid by accepting varying energy supplies from renewable sources and distributed generators and by controlling peaks in demands. For sensitive loads such as computers and high-value manufacturing plants, the supply quality is very important. Therefore, visibility, controllability and flexibility are essential features throughout the smart grids, with power electronics playing key roles. The rapid development of semiconductor devices and associated control techniques has allowed a significant number of applications of power converters into power systems, and major converter configurations, characteristics and applications are discussed here.
