Power Electronics & Converters
“Power Electronics is paving the way for the future global electrical grid. At SuperGrid Institute, we develop innovative technologies that are reliable, efficient and cost-effective to bring this network of electricity to life.”
Loïc Leclere, Department Director – Power Electronics & Converters
The Power Electronics and Converters department develops innovative power conversion solutions for HVDC and MVDC applications. In HVDC we focus on solutions for electricity transmission networks covering AC/DC and DC/DC converters, large buffer storage systems, and power flow controllers. In MVDC we study and develop technologies for distribution networks, with a focus on protection, DC/DC converters, and energy storage systems.
The department conducts research on topologies and controls for power converters and their associated technologies, such as medium frequency transformers, silicon carbide (SiC) components and switching cells. Other research topics include condition and health monitoring, as well as digital twin modelling applied to power converters.
Advanced testing facilities enable us to perform full characterisation tests on power components up to many kVolts and kAmps, as well as back-to-back converter testing combined with a 100 kW deionised water cooling heat exchanger.
Our research includes:
Recent publications
CO2 Footprint of DC Solid State Transformer for Linear PV Power Plant
A comparison of the carbon footprint of a DC SST designed for a Linear PV Power Plant with MVDC collection network.
Influence of the Mission Profile on the Selection of the Leakage Inductance for Dual Active Bridge Converter
The Dual Active Bridge (DAB) is a promising topology to be used in Medium Voltage DC (MVDC) networks.
Power Losses Measurement Method for High Efficiency MV Oil-Insulated DC-DC Converter
The accurate measurement of low power losses is not possible with traditional electrical input-output power measurements.
