A Review of the State-Of-The-Art of Power Electronics For Power System Applications

Power electronics can provide utilities the ability to more effectively deliver power to their customers while providing increased reliability to the bulk power system. In general, power electronics is the process of using semiconductor switching devices to control and convert electrical power flow from one form to another to meet a specific need. These conversion techniques have revolutionized modern life by streamlining manufacturing processes, increasing product efficiencies, and increasing the quality of life by enhancing many modern conveniences such as computers, and they can help to improve the delivery of reliable power from utilities. This paper gives a review on the power electronic applications for power systems. Some application of power electronics and power semiconductors are described. Classification, essential properties, important applications and development of power semiconductor devices will be explained. Moreover, developments in semiconductors and their packaging technology will drive power electronics into distribution applications as device efficiency and reliability increases whilst the cost of the switched megawatt falls. Finally, different types of power electronic converters and applications are described and discussed.