IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics 

About: IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics is an academic journal published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Computer science & Voltage. It has an ISSN identifier of 2168-6777. Over the lifetime, 2679 publications have been published receiving 75891 citations.

Wireless Power Transfer for Electric Vehicle Applications

Abstract: Wireless power transfer (WPT) using magnetic resonance is the technology which could set human free from the annoying wires. In fact, the WPT adopts the same basic theory which has already been developed for at least 30 years with the term inductive power transfer. WPT technology is developing rapidly in recent years. At kilowatts power level, the transfer distance increases from several millimeters to several hundred millimeters with a grid to load efficiency above 90%. The advances make the WPT very attractive to the electric vehicle (EV) charging applications in both stationary and dynamic charging scenarios. This paper reviewed the technologies in the WPT area applicable to EV wireless charging. By introducing WPT in EVs, the obstacles of charging time, range, and cost can be easily mitigated. Battery technology is no longer relevant in the mass market penetration of EVs. It is hoped that researchers could be encouraged by the state-of-the-art achievements, and push forward the further development of WPT as well as the expansion of EV.

Modern Trends in Inductive Power Transfer for Transportation Applications

Abstract: Inductive power transfer (IPT) has progressed to be a power distribution system offering significant benefits in modern automation systems and particularly so in stringent environments. Here, the same technology may be used in very dirty environments and in a clean room manufacture. This paper reviews the development of simple factory automation (FA) IPT systems for both today's complex applications and onward to a much more challenging application-IPT roadway. The underpinning of all IPT technology is two strongly coupled coils operating at resonance to transfer power efficiently. Over time the air-gap, efficiency, coupling factor, and power transfer capability have significantly improved. New magnetic concepts are introduced to allow misalignment, enabling IPT systems to migrate from overhead monorails to the floor. However, the demands of IPT roadway bring about significant challenges. Here, compared with the best FA practice, air-gaps need to be 100 times larger, power levels greater than ten times, system losses ten times lower to meet efficiency requirements, and systems from different manufacturers must be interoperable over the full range of operation. This paper describes how roadway challenges are being met and outlines the problems that still exist and the solutions designers are finding to them.

Review of Solid-State Transformer Technologies and Their Application in Power Distribution Systems

Abstract: The solid-state transformer (SST), which has been regarded as one of the 10 most emerging technologies by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review in 2010, has gained increasing importance in the future power distribution system. This paper presents a systematical technology review essential for the development and application of SST in the distribution system. The state-of-the-art technologies of four critical areas are reviewed, including high-voltage power devices, high-power and high-frequency transformers, ac/ac converter topologies, and applications of SST in the distribution system. In addition, future research directions are presented. It is concluded that the SST is an emerging technology for the future distribution system.

Review of Commercial GaN Power Devices and GaN-Based Converter Design Challenges

Abstract: Gallium nitride (GaN) power devices are an emerging technology that have only recently become available commercially. This new technology enables the design of converters at higher frequencies and efficiencies than those achievable with conventional Si devices. This paper reviews the characteristics and commercial status of both vertical and lateral GaN power devices, providing the background necessary to understand the significance of these recent developments. In addition, the challenges encountered in GaN-based converter design are considered, such as the consequences of faster switching on gate driver design and board layout. Other issues include the unique reverse conduction behavior, dynamic $R_{\mathrm {{ds}},\mathrm {{on}}}$ , breakdown mechanisms, thermal design, device availability, and reliability qualification. This review will help prepare the reader to effectively design GaN-based converters, as these devices become increasingly available on a commercial scale.

Future on Power Electronics for Wind Turbine Systems

Abstract: Wind power is still the most promising renewable energy in the year of 2013. The wind turbine system (WTS) started with a few tens of kilowatt power in the 1980s. Now, multimegawatt wind turbines are widely installed even up to 6-8 MW. There is a widespread use of wind turbines in the distribution networks and more and more wind power stations, acting as power plants, are connected directly to the transmission networks. As the grid penetration and power level of the wind turbines increase steadily, the wind power starts to have significant impacts to the power grid system. Therefore, more advanced generators, power electronic systems, and control solutions have to be introduced to improve the characteristics of the wind power plant and make it more suitable to be integrated into the power grid. Meanwhile, there are also some emerging technology challenges, which need to be further clarified and investigated. This paper gives an overview and discusses some development trends in the technologies used for wind power systems. First, the developments of technology and market are generally discussed. Next, several state-of-the-art wind turbine concepts, as well as the corresponding power electronic converters and control structures, are reviewed, respectively. Furthermore, grid requirements and the technology challenges for the future WTS are also addressed.