Solid State Transformers Topologies, Controllers, and Applications: State-of-the-Art Literature Review

doi:10.3390/ELECTRONICS7110298

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Solid State Transformers Topologies, Controllers, and Applications: State-of-the-Art Literature Review

Journal Article•DOI•

Solid State Transformers Topologies, Controllers, and Applications: State-of-the-Art Literature Review

Ahmed Abu-Siada, Jad Budiri, A. F. Abdou

01 Nov 2018-Electronics (MDPI AG)-Vol. 7, Iss: 11, pp 298

TL;DR: A state-of-the-art review for SST proposed topologies, controllers, and applications is introduced and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis along with a brief review of market drivers for prospective commercialisation are elaborated.

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Abstract: With the global trend to produce clean electrical energy, the penetration of renewable energy sources in existing electricity infrastructure is expected to increase significantly within the next few years. The solid state transformer (SST) is expected to play an essential role in future smart grid topologies. Unlike traditional magnetic transformer, SST is flexible enough to be of modular construction, enabling bi-directional power flow and can be employed for AC and DC grids. Moreover, SSTs can control the voltage level and modulate both active and reactive power at the point of common coupling without the need to external flexible AC transmission system device as per the current practice in conventional electricity grids. The rapid advancement in power semiconductors switching speed and power handling capacity will soon allow for the commercialisation of grid-rated SSTs. This paper is aimed at introducing a state-of-the-art review for SST proposed topologies, controllers, and applications. Additionally, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis along with a brief review of market drivers for prospective commercialisation are elaborated.

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Journal Article•DOI•

State of the art of solid-state transformers: Advanced topologies, implementation issues, recent progress and improvements

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Mahammad A. Hannan¹, Pin Jern Ker¹, Molla Shahadat Hossain Lipu², Zhen Hang Choi¹, M. Safwan Abd. Rahman¹, Kashem M. Muttaqi³, Frede Blaabjerg⁴ - Show less +3 more•Institutions (4)

Universiti Tenaga Nasional¹, National University of Malaysia², University of Wollongong³, Aalborg University⁴

17 Jan 2020-IEEE Access

TL;DR: This review comprehensively reviews the SST topologies suitable for different voltage levels and with varied stages, their control operation, and different trends in applications and provides recommendations for the improvement of future SST configuration and development.

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Abstract: Solid-state transformer (SST) is an emerging technology integrating with a transformer power electronics converters and control circuitry. This paper comprehensively reviews the SST topologies suitable for different voltage levels and with varied stages, their control operation, and different trends in applications. The paper discusses various SST configurations with their design and characteristics to convert the input to output under unipolar and bipolar operation. A comparison between the topologies, control operation and applications are included. Different control models and schemes are explained. Potential benefits of SST in many applications in terms of controllability and the synergy of AC and DC systems are highlighted to appreciate the importance of SST technologies. This review highlights many factors including existing issues and challenges and provides recommendations for the improvement of future SST configuration and development.

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175 citations

Cites background from "Solid State Transformers Topologies..."

...This topology has high switching frequency and does not require electrolyte capacitor [29]....
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Journal Article•DOI•

Extreme Fast Charging Technology—Prospects to Enhance Sustainable Electric Transportation

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Deepak Ronanki, Apoorva Kelkar, Sheldon S. Williamson

29 Sep 2019-Energies

TL;DR: The current state of the art architectures and challenges of fast charging infrastructure using SST technology while directly connected to the MV line are reviewed and technical considerations, challenges and future research possibilities are discussed.

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Abstract: With the growing fleet of a new generation electric vehicles (EVs), it is essential to develop an adequate high power charging infrastructure that can mimic conventional gasoline fuel stations. Therefore, much research attention must be focused on the development of off-board DC fast chargers which can quickly replenish the charge in an EV battery. However, use of the service transformer in the existing fast charging architecture adds to the system cost, size and complicates the installation process while directly connected to medium-voltage (MV) line. With continual improvements in power electronics and magnetics, solid state transformer (SST) technology can be adopted to enhance power density and efficiency of the system. This paper aims to review the current state of the art architectures and challenges of fast charging infrastructure using SST technology while directly connected to the MV line. Finally, this paper discusses technical considerations, challenges and introduces future research possibilities.

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119 citations

Cites background from "Solid State Transformers Topologies..."

...A promising approach to overcome the above issues is the utilization of solid state transformer (SST) [52] technology, which is already popular for railway traction [53] and DC distribution grids [54]....
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...This architecture adopts the common DC bus configuration and the flexibility to integrate the renewable energy sources and energy storage with reduced conversion stages [52]....
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Journal Article•DOI•

A review on solid-state transformer: A breakthrough technology for future smart distribution grids

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D. K. Mishra¹, Mojtaba Jabbari Ghadi¹, Li Li¹, Md. Jahangir Hossain¹, Jiangfeng Zhang², Prakash K. Ray, Asit Mohanty - Show less +3 more•Institutions (2)

University of Technology, Sydney¹, Clemson University²

01 Dec 2021-International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems

TL;DR: This study explores how the solid-state transformer is beneficial to the distribution systems in regards to the reduction of size, controllability, reliability, resiliency, and end-use applications and concludes that it is projected as an essential device for smart/microgrids, particularly in multi-microgrid systems.

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42 citations

Journal Article•DOI•

Solid state transformers: concepts, classification, and control

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Mohammed Azharuddin Shamshuddin, Felix Rojas, Roberto Cardenas, Javier Pereda, Matias Diaz, Ralph Kennel - Show less +2 more

07 May 2020-Energies

TL;DR: This paper provides a complete overview on SST: concepts, topologies, classification, power converters, material selection, and key aspects for design criteria and control schemes proposed in the literature.

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Abstract: Increase in global energy demand and constraints from fossil fuels have encouraged a growing share of renewable energy resources in the utility grid. Accordingly, an increased penetration of direct current (DC) power sources and loads (e.g., solar photovoltaics and electric vehicles) as well as the necessity for active power flow control has been witnessed in the power distribution networks. Passive transformers are susceptible to DC offset and possess no controllability when employed in smart grids. Solid state transformers (SSTs) are identified as a potential solution to modernize and harmonize alternating current (AC) and DC electrical networks and as suitable solutions in applications such as traction, electric ships, and aerospace industry. This paper provides a complete overview on SST: concepts, topologies, classification, power converters, material selection, and key aspects for design criteria and control schemes proposed in the literature. It also proposes a simple terminology to identify and homogenize the large number of definitions and structures currently reported in the literature.

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38 citations

Journal Article•DOI•

A state-of-the-art review on topologies and control techniques of solid-state transformers for electric vehicle extreme fast charging

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Yameena Tahir¹, Irfan Khan², Syed Rahman², Muhammad Faisal Nadeem¹, Atif Iqbal³, Yinliang Xu⁴, Mohammad Rafi³ - Show less +3 more•Institutions (4)

University of Engineering and Technology¹, Texas A&M University², Qatar University³, Tsinghua University⁴

01 Jul 2021-Iet Power Electronics

36 citations

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Journal Article•DOI•

A review of grid code technical requirements for wind farms

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M. Tsili¹, Stavros A. Papathanassiou¹•Institutions (1)

National Technical University of Athens¹

18 Sep 2009-Iet Renewable Power Generation

TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview of grid code technical requirements regarding the connection of large wind farms to the electric power systems, including active and reactive power regulation, voltage and frequency operating limits and wind farm behaviour during grid disturbances.

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Abstract: This paper provides an overview of grid code technical requirements regarding the connection of large wind farms to the electric power systems. The grid codes examined are generally compiled by transmission system operators (TSOs) of countries or regions with high wind penetration and therefore incorporate the accumulated experience after several years of system operation at significant wind penetration levels. The paper focuses on the most important technical requirements for wind farms, included in most grid codes, such as active and reactive power regulation, voltage and frequency operating limits and wind farm behaviour during grid disturbances. The paper also includes a review of modern wind turbine technologies, regarding their capability of satisfying the requirements set by the codes, demonstrating that recent developments in wind turbine technology provide wind farms with stability and regulation capabilities directly comparable to those of conventional generating plants.

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1,331 citations

Journal Article•DOI•

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

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Xu She¹, Alex Q. Huang¹, Rolando Burgos²•Institutions (2)

North Carolina State University¹, Virginia Tech²

16 Aug 2013-IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics

TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a systematical technology review essential for the development and application of SST in the distribution system, including high-voltage power devices, high-power and high-frequency transformers, ac/ac converter topologies, and future research directions.

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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.

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897 citations

"Solid State Transformers Topologies..." refers background in this paper

...It is projected that the efficiency of SSTs will continue to improve due to the use of new semiconductor technologies [9,67,68], advances in high-frequency transformers [69], and multi-objective optimisation [3]....
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...Three-stage conversion topologies with proper control strategies provide maximum possible functions and controllability [3]....
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...This is because soft switching techniques for a DC/DC dual active bridge in three-stage conversion schemes are well established [3]....
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...It is projected that the efficiency of SSTs will continue to improve due to the use of new semiconductor technologies [9,67,68], advances in highfrequency transformers [69], and multi-objective optimisation [3]....
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...The drawback of these series arrangements is the high conduction loss due to the a ded conduction resistances [3]....
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Journal Article•DOI•

Voltage and Power Balance Control for a Cascaded H-Bridge Converter-Based Solid-State Transformer

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Tiefu Zhao¹, Gangyao Wang², Subharshish Bhattacharya², Alex Q. Huang²•Institutions (2)

Eaton Corporation¹, North Carolina State University²

01 Apr 2013-IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a voltage and power balance control for the cascaded H-Bridge converter-based solid-state transformer (SST) based on the single-phase dq model, which can balance the rectifier capacitor voltages and the real power through parallel DAB modules.

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Abstract: The solid-state transformer (SST) is an interface device between ac distribution grids and dc distribution systems. The SST consists of a cascaded multilevel ac/dc rectifier stage, a dual active bridge (DAB) converter stage with high-frequency transformers to provide a regulated 400-V dc distribution, and an optional dc/ac stage that can be connected to the 400-V dc bus to provide residential 120/240 V $_{\rm ac}$ . However, due to dc-link voltage and power unbalance in the cascaded modules, the unbalanced dc-link voltages and power increase the stress of the semiconductor devices and cause overvoltage or overcurrent issues. This paper proposes a new voltage and power balance control for the cascaded H-Bridge converter-based SST. Based on the single-phase dq model, a novel voltage and the power control strategy is proposed to balance the rectifier capacitor voltages and the real power through parallel DAB modules. Furthermore, the intrinsic power constraints of the cascaded H-Bridge voltage balance control are derived and analyzed. With the proposed control methods, the dc-link voltage and the real power through each module can be balanced. The SST switching model simulation and the prototype experiments are presented to verify the performance of the proposed voltage and power balance controller.

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541 citations

"Solid State Transformers Topologies..." refers background in this paper

...In a comparison between MMCs and cascaded H-bridge converters, it was found that, at high voltages (>13.8 kV), MMC arrangement has better efficiency and semiconductor utilisation [55]....
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...Cascaded H-bridge [40,51] converters and modular multi-level converters (MMCs) are the most common among recent publications because these topologies are expandable, so the power rating can be increased by adding more modules with the same architecture and control strategy [52]....
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...The cascaded H-bridge topology is scalable to serve higher voltages, but the suggested scheme cannot provide power factor correction without additional active filters [17]....
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...Furthermore, circulating currents [56] and voltage unbalance [57] between parallel MMCs and H-bridge modules compromise the reliability and cause voltage stress....
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...The cascaded H-bridge topology is scalable to serve Electronics 2018, 7, 298 3 of 18 higher voltages, but the suggested scheme cannot provide power factor correction without additional active filters [17]....
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Journal Article•DOI•

Research on voltage and power balance control for cascaded modular solid-state transformer

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Jianjiang Shi¹, Wei Gou¹, Hao Yuan¹, Tiefu Zhao², Alex Q. Huang³ - Show less +1 more•Institutions (3)

Zhejiang University¹, Eaton Corporation², North Carolina State University³

02 May 2011-IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics

TL;DR: In this article, a single-phase d-q vector-based common duty-ratio control method for the multilevel rectifier, and a voltage feedforward and feedback based controller for the modular DAB converter are presented.

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Abstract: The solid-state transformer (SST) is one of the key elements in power electronic-based microgrid systems. The single-phase SST consists of a modular multilevel ac-dc rectifier, a modular dual active bridge (DAB) dc-dc converter with high-frequency transformers, and a dc-ac inverter stage. However, due to dc bus voltage and power unbalancing in each module, the modular SST often presents instability problems making its design difficult and causing unpredictable behavior. Moreover, the unbalanced dc-link voltages increase the stress of the semiconductor devices, and also cause high harmonic distortions of grid current, therefore, necessitating the use of a bigger ac filter. This paper presents a novel single-phase d-q vector-based common-duty-ratio control method for the multilevel rectifier, and a voltage feedforward and feedback based controller for the modular DAB converter. With the proposed control methods, the dc-link voltage and power in each module can be balanced. In addition, the low-distortion grid current, unity power factor, and bidirectional power flow can be achieved. Simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the proposed control methods.

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338 citations

"Solid State Transformers Topologies..." refers background in this paper

...circulating cu rents [56] and voltage unbalance [57] between parallel MMCs and Hbridge modules compromise the reli bility and cause voltage stress....
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...Furthermore, circulating currents [56] and voltage unbalance [57] between parallel MMCs and H-bridge modules compromise the reliability and cause voltage stress....
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Journal Article•DOI•

A Power Electronic-Based Distribution Transformer

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E. R. Ronan¹, Scott D. Sudhoff², S. F. Glover², D. L. Galloway³•Institutions (3)

University of Missouri¹, Purdue University², ABB Ltd³

07 Aug 2002-IEEE Power & Energy Magazine

TL;DR: In this paper, a new kind of distribution transformer is proposed for the twenty-first century, one that can be made self-regulating, oil-free, and able to correct power quality problems.

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Abstract: The distribution transformer has been in use by utilities throughout the twentieth century. Until now, it has consisted of a configuration of iron or steel cores and copper/aluminum coils, with mineral oil serving as both coolant and dielectric medium. Inherent in this type of construction are regulation, significant weight, losses, environmental concerns, and power quality issues. A new kind of distribution transformer is proposed for the twenty-first century, one that can be made self-regulating, oil-free, and able to correct power quality problems. A power electronic transformer has been analyzed, simulated, prototyped, and tested. Results of this effort, as well as the novel features of this new type of transformer, are discussed herein.

...read moreread less

337 citations

"Solid State Transformers Topologies..." refers background in this paper

...It is projected that the efficiency of SSTs will continue to improve due to the use of new semiconductor technologies [9,67,68], advances in highfrequency transformers [69], and multi-objective optimisation [3]....
[...]
...It is projected that the efficiency of SSTs will continue to improve due to the use of new semiconductor technologies [9,67,68], advances in high-frequency transformers [69], and multi-objective optimisation [3]....
[...]
...McMurray in 1970 [8], followed by the AC/AC buck converter developed by the United States Navy in 1980 [9,10]....
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