Fundamentals of solid-state transformer and energy router – applications and technologies

Speaker: Dr. Richard Zhang

Venue: Room 201, College of Electrical Engineering Building, Yuquan Campus

Abstract: Transformers are the backbone of today’s electric power infrastructure and a wide range of electrical equipment. Since the advent of the “electronic transformer” in the late 1960s—pioneered by GE’s William McMurray—research and product development in this area, under terminologies such as solid-state transformer (SST), power electronic transformer, and energy router, have been driven by diverse applications, including railways, naval systems, and renewable energy integration. In recent years, both academic and industrial interest has accelerated significantly, fueled by the rapid growth of applications such as data centers and fast EV charging stations. Consequently, a large body of high-quality research papers, review articles, and tutorials has emerged.

This lecture adopts an application-oriented perspective to analyze various SST technology options, including past research on SST by CPES researchers. It examines the trajectory and underlying rationale of key technological advances, while highlighting emerging opportunities. The goal is to help engineers and engineering leaders in industry, taking a techno-economic view, gain insight into past solutions and upcoming promising research directions, so they may be better equipped to position themselves for the future.