Introduction to

Power Electronics
Chapter 1

What is Power Electronics?

Power + Electronics

Power conversion

Semiconductor devices

deals with static and rotating power equipment for generation,

transmission and distribution of electric energy.
deals with solid-state devices and circuits for signal
processing to meet the desired control objective.

Control

deals with steady state and dynamic characteristics of

closed-loop systems.
deals with Control ICs/ microcontrollers/ digital signal
processors

What is Power Electronics?

Why Power Electronics?

Converting power from voltage/current to

voltage/current with high efficiency

Types of Power Electronic Circuits

AC/DC converters
Converting

Switched mode power supplies

DC/DC converters
Converting

DC power to DC power

Switched mode power supplies

DC/AC inverter
Converting

AC power to DC power

DC power to AC power

AC/AC converter
Converting

AC power to AC power

Output voltage / current level and frequency

Features of Power Electronics

Advantages
High

efficiency
High power density

Light weight

Low

cost
Easy to control

Disadvantages
Complicated

structure
High Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI)

Applications of Power Electronics

Automotive
Traction,

Consumer products
Battery

motion control

chargers, induction cookers

Building services
Lighting

systems, UPS, lift

Applications of Power Electronics

Aerospace and astronautics

Propulsion,

Medical
FES,

wheel-chairs

Industrial
Welding

solar panels

machines, robots

Power systems
High

voltage DC