Role of Power Electronics in Smart

Grid Infrastructure

Abstract - Advanced power electronic systems are deemed to be an integral part of renewable,
green and efficient energy systems. A smart grid is a system that reduces the effect that the
mass adoption of renewable energy has on the total power system. Because the generated power
output from renewable energy is generally difficult to control, a power supply system capable
of implementing high-speed and high-accuracy control is needed for the mass adoption of
renewable energy in the system. Power electronics technology plays an important role in
realizing such control. The main power electronics applied technologies are
charging/discharging control technology and demand/supply control technology.

Keywords - Power Electronics, Smart Grid, Renewable energy, Smart grid technology and
application.

I. Introduction

In the future smart green buildings, there will be increasing connection to the distribution
network of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and heat pumps. Most of alternative
energy sources generate direct current (DC) power (for example, photovoltaic and fuel cell
systems). As a result, a power electronics inverter is required to connect them into the utility
grid. On the other hand, the alternating current (AC)-based alternative energy sources (for
example, wind, wave, and hydro systems) can be either directly connected to the AC grid or
indirectly through AC-DC and DC-AC conversion interface stages. Power electronics
converters are then represents rapid independent control means of real-reactive power to satisfy
grid connected alternative energy conversion system needs. In this chapter, we will explore the
different power conversion topologies and energy link integration methodologies based on the
renewable energy system structure (single or hybrid). Grid-tied buildings are classified as either
feed-in-tariff (FIT) or net metered (NM). In FIT systems, utilities purchase renewable energy
at variable rates, which are usually higher than the sales price. This is tracked by using two

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meters: one to measure electricity going to the grid, and another for electricity coming from
the grid. NM systems buy and sell electricity at the same rate, using a single meter, which runs
either forward or reverse, depending on the direction of power flow. Most NM systems do not
provide homeowners with credit for any electricity they generate beyond what they use. FIT
systems, however, provide 100% credit for power put into the grid, allowing homeowners to
receive a check from their utility when their production exceeds their use. In USA, regulations
for grid-tied systems are established by the local municipality or state. Not all utilities allow
FIT or net metering. In fact, both FIT and NM systems can operate with either analog or digital
(smart) meter. It became feasible to most people that smart meters are considered an integral
part of any intelligent-based green building. In the past, analog regular meters can only provide
distributors with power flow data at the substation level. With smart meters, it can deliver
detailed in-depth real-time information about load energy consumption which extends visibility
down to the consumer level. In addition, smart meter can help to manage and control customer
loads remotely by involving more IQ functionalities into metering system design.

Fig. 1: A Smart Grid ensures that renewable energy sources can be better integrated into the
system thanks to a two-way flow of energy and a bidirectional flow of communication data.
Whereas the generation of power in conventional power supply systems depends on
consumption levels, a Smart Grid is also able to control consumption – depending on the
availability of electrical power in the grid.

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2. Modern power electronics

Power Electronics is an interdisciplinary field, which combines power, electronics and control
theory for the control and conversion of electric power. It can be viewed as a branch of system
engineering. Power Electronics has already found an important place in the modern technology
and it is now being used in great variety of high power products. The rapid growth of the power
electronics revolution has been caused due to the numerous benefits of power electronics for
power control and processing of industrial applications. The power-electronic technology plays
an important role in distributed generation and in integration of renewable energy sources into
the electrical grid, and it is widely used and rapidly expanding as these applications become
more integrated with the grid based systems. Power electronics has changed rapidly during the
last thirty years and the number of applications has been increasing, mainly due to the
developments of the semiconductor devices and the microprocessor technology. For both cases
higher performance is steadily given for the same area of silicon, and at the same time they are
continuously reducing in price. A typical illustration in figure 2.1 shown the power electronic
system, consisting of a power converter and a control unit connect the renewable energy source
in electrical network.

Figure 2.1. Typical Renewable energy integrated in grid with power electronic system

The power converter is the interface between the generator and the grid. Typically, the power
flow is uni-directional from the generator to the electrical network. Three important issues are
of concern using such a system namely the reliability, the efficiency and last but not least the
cost.

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Currently, the cost of power semiconductor devices is decreasing 1-5% every year for the same
output performance and the price for a power electronics system is also decreasing. The trend
of weight, size, number of components and functions in a standard Danfoss Drives A/S
frequency converter can be seen in figure 2.2.

Figure 2.2. Development of standard adjustable speed drives for the last decades

It clearly shows that power electronics conversion is shrinking in volume and weight. It also
shows that more Integration is an important key to be competitive as well as more functions
become available in such a product.

The key drive of this development is that the power electronic device technology is still
undergoing important progress. Important research is going on to change the material from
silicon to silicon carbide, which may dramatically increase the power density of power
converters as well as their voltage capability. Power electronics find applications in most
renewable energy systems technologies, solar and wind energy systems being the most
important applications.

During the last years, there is a constant effort to improve each part of a photovoltaic and wind
turbine application. The efficiency of commercial photovoltaic modules now exceeds 17%,
inverters have reached almost 99% European efficiency and there are new topologies found
which make wind turbine systems more efficient and flexible in their operation. Due to the
increased demand, each manufacturer is trying to find new concepts in order to achieve better
system yield, which results in increased economic returns for the investor. Most of the systems
used in such applications produce DC current, so inverters are required to convert this power
to AC, which is needed in most applications and definitely for grid connection.

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3. Power electronics Devices renewable energy platforms

Power electronics represents the enabling technology for green alternative energy sources in
smart buildings. It involves sophisticated conversion topologies as an interface integral part
between smart power distribution network and local microgrid sources. The installation of the
new advanced alternative energy technologies (e.g., PV and wind) is playing a vital role in
residential and commercial smart buildings. Typically, installed capacity ranges from few
kilowatts for distribution-customer level to several megawatts for high-voltage transmission
grid. The following characteristics are important for power electronics systems for smart grids:
high efficiency, optimal energy transfer, bidirectional power flow, high reliability,
synchronization capabilities, EMI filtering, smart metering, real-time information,
communications, and fault tolerance/self-healing.

Fig 3.1. Power electronics control and communication structure in smart buildings.

There are several other renewable technologies that use steam or gas turbines with synchronous
generator such as biomass energy. In general, power converter interface units can be used to
control the amount of the reactive power injected from renewable energy systems into main
AC grid. Then, network voltage is controlled while managing active power to satisfy the
requirements of the utility grid. On the other hand, Figure 3.2 shows hybrid connectivity to
provide larger energy production to the building as well as the utility grid which is called as
MISO platform. Additionally, MISO platform is sometimes called as multi-port power
converter (MPPC) since it combines more than one input port based on the number of the micro
energy sources and storage installed in the building.

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 Figure 3.2. Hybrid source-based MISO platform for grid-tied FIT system.

4. Trends in Power Electronics Devices for Smart Grids

The power electronics devices used in smart grids are required to have a function that is capable
of accommodating fluctuations in frequency or voltage, as well as a function for safely
interconnecting with a power system. This section describes the requirements and technical
trends of recent power electronics devices.

4.1 Functions and technical trends of power system interconnection

(1) Low voltage ride through (LVRT):

As an example of a function necessary for power supply interconnection, the LVRT function
is described below. LVRT is a function that enables a device to continue outputting without
parallel off, even when the system voltage drops. In the case where only a small amount of
renewable energy is introduced into a power system, even if a distributed power source
disconnects due to a drop in the system voltage, the effect on the overall system will be minor
and non-problematic. In the case where a large amount of renewable energy is introduced into
a power system, however, if the distributed power source s disconnect from the power system
all at once, an imbalance will occur between the amount of power generation and the amount
of load, and the frequency stability of the system will decrease as a result. If the amount of

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simultaneous parallel off is large, then in order to maintain the power supply frequency, the
load must be dropped. Accordingly, the following three characteristics are sought in order to
connect distributed power source s to a power system.

• To accommodate frequency changes.

• To connect to the power system and supply power to the extent possible, even when the
voltage drops.
• To connect to the power system and supply power as soon as the system voltage is
restored following a parallel off.

(2) Isolated operation detection function:

An isolated operation detection function is essential for connecting to a power system. Isolated
operation is the state in which an isolated system that has been disconnected from the power
system is supplied with electricity from the output of a distributed power source only. In the
isolated operating state, there is the possibility of electric shock or equipment damage, and this
state must be detected as soon as possible and the relevant distributed power source s must be
disconnected.

The method used to detect isolated operation is either passive or active. The passive method
detects sudden changes in voltage phase, frequency and the like resulting from imbalances
between the generated output power and the load during the transition to isolated operation,
while the active method continuously applies voltage and frequency fluctuations and utilizes
the fact that the fluctuations become noticeable during transition to isolated operation.
Presently, in power distribution systems, the load is larger than the generated power, and
therefore the passive method operates reliably even when there is a transition to isolated
operation. However, if the number of distributed power source s increases and the balance
between the generated power and the load is realized within the power distribution system, then
system fluctuations will be smaller when transferring to isolated operation, and detection of
isolated operation based on the passive method may not be possible. At present, especially for
small-scale photovoltaic power generation, unification toward an active method that is free of
mutual interference is underway. Also, the trend of isolated operation of medium and large
capacity power conditioning systems (PCS) must be watched closely.

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4.2 Function for accommodating power generation fluctuations and power system
fluctuations

In the past, generators have been controlled to absorb load fluctuations and to stabilize
frequency. If the amount of renewable energy generated fluctuates, however, a balance between
supply and demand is difficult to achieve with only generator control. For this purpose, the
output at the renewable energy side must be adjusted to minimize the effect on the system. A
power storage device is used to implement this function, and depending on the period of
fluctuation, the power storage method may need to be changed to storage cells, lithium ion
batteries, electric double-layer capacitors, and the like, and appropriate discharge control
technology for the storage method is also needed. If the fluctuation in renewable energy power
generation is to be adjusted with individual power stabilizers, then the same number of
stabilizers as power generators (or power plants) will be needed. In contrast, an area-type
stabilizer allows the fluctuation to be averaged to that the total equipment capacity can be
reduced, and is more economically efficient than the individual approach. This area-type
stabilizer controls the amount of power generation, including the amount of renewable energy,
over a wide area (such as a town, city, prefecture or larger). For this purpose, the capacity of
the stabilizer must be increased by expanding the individual device capacity of the inverters
used in power storage systems and arranging them in parallel configurations.

Additionally, in small-scale power systems at remote islands and the like, the generators have
low inertia constant, and disturbances are likely to occur when a supply-demand imbalance
arises due to a power fluctuation. Such unstable states can be stabilized with a power storage
device, and for this purpose, high-speed and high-precision control are required of the inverter.

5. Usage of Power Electronics in Smart Grids

Recently, power electronics products incorporating the above technologies have become
possible to manufacture, and the applicable range of power electronics technology has
expanded. Additionally, complex control has become easier to implement in the distribution of
energy, enabling more efficient utilization of the public infrastructure.

5.1 Usage of power electronics technology in power generation

The power stabilizer is introduced below as an example application of power electronics for
power generation.

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The generators in a power system are mainly rotary-type generators, and this is essentially the
same for smart grids as well. As described above, however, when generating equipment that
uses renewable energy is introduced in large amounts to a power system, the frequency control
of the system will be affected due to the instability of the power generation. By using a power
storage device to compensate for the power generation instability and by implementing control
so that the output of the generating equipment is stable, stable power can be supplied to the
system. Figure 5.1 shows the configuration of this power stabilizer. Figure 5.1 shows the case
of wind power generation, but the same configuration could also be used for photovoltaic
power generation.

Power stabilizers charge and discharge storage cells so as to compensate for the corresponding
output fluctuation of renewable energy, thereby smoothing the combined outputs at points of
interconnection with the power system. Charging and discharging can be performed according
to bidirectional inverter control.

Figure 5.1 Conceptual view of a smart power distribution supply chain

The purpose of smoothing is to stabilize the power system voltage and frequency. To stabilize
the voltage, active power control and reactive power control are performed. To stabilize the
frequency, governor free (GF) control for short-duration fluctuations, load frequency control
(LFC) for long-duration fluctuations, economic load dispatching control (EDC) for long period

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fluctuations, and the like are performed. Each control method requires a different power storage
capacity. Battery capacity has a significant impact on facility costs, and therefore, the smallest
possible capacity is desired.

Figure 5.2 Overview of power stabilizer

Figure 5.2 is a figure of an installed power stabilizer at a Wind Farm. The results of that study
confirmed that a power stabilizer does have a stabilizing effect on the output of wind farms,
and established a charge/discharge control method that realizes the required functionality with
the minimum equipment capacity.

5.2 Usage of power electronics technology in power distribution

In power systems, large-scale centralized power generation plants are responsible for power
generation, transmission and distribution equipment are responsible for power distribution, and
the end-users are responsible for consumption. Electric power flows from large-scale
centralized power plants toward end-users, and power systems have been constructed assuming
a one-way flow of power from upstream to downstream.

In recent years, end-users have generated power by using home-use solar power generators and
the like, but if they were to install a large amount of distributed power source s, the flow of
power, at least in the distribution system, will not be unidirectional.

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Examples of power electronics devices used to solve these types of power distribution system
problems are the self-commuted static VAR compensator for distribution and a distribution
line loop balance controller (LBC). For power electronics distribution devices to become
widespread, they must be compatible with outdoor and pole-mounted installations, provide
maintenance free operation, have a low price, and so on. To support outdoor installation, power
electronics devices must meet specifications for environmental resistance, and the heat exhaust
of the system, sealing technology and the like are also important factors.

To develop equipment that fully satisfies the functional requirements of power distribution
devices, the commercialization of next-generation devices made from silicon carbide (SiC) or
the like is considered to be necessary, and therefore some time will be needed before such
devices can be used in practical applications.

Figure 5.3 Overview of smart PCS configuration

6. Smart Electrical Energy Networks

Over last years, Electrical Energy (EE) consumption has continually grown, on the other hand,
at the same time, investment in the TD (Transmission and Distribution) infrastructure has
increasingly declined. Traditional solutions for upgrading the electrical system infrastructure
have been primarily in the form of new power plants, new transmission lines, substations, and

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associated equipment. However, as experience has proven, the process of authorizing, locating,
and constructing new transmission lines has become extremely difficult, expensive and time-
consuming. As a result the power grid is under stress, resulting in compromised reliability and
higher energy costs. Despite the aforementioned problems, the system reliability is untouchable
and cannot be compromised.

To overcome this problem, grid operator’s move away from radial systems towards networked
ones, however this degrades controllability of the network, because current flows along
particular lines cannot be easily controlled. The situation is even worse, if an incident such as
loss of a line results in overload, increasing the possibility of a blackout. Additionally, rapid
load growth leads to jamming on key lines which, in consequence, leads to an inefficient
operation of energy markets.

Figure 6. SmartGrid with SmartMetering & SmartBuilding technology

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The answer seems to lie in transforming the current Energy Power System (EPS) into smart
Electrical Energy Network (EEN), also called Smart Grid. Future smart EENs will be strong,
more flexible, reliable, self-healing, fully controllable with an asset of efficient use and will be
a platform enabling the coexistence of smart-self-controlling grids with great amounts of
Distributed Generations (DG) and large-scale centralized power plants. The need for
modifications, demands to remove the barriers to the large-scale exploitation and integration
of DGs and other actors, will necessitate the research, development of new innovative
technologies from generation, transmission and distribution to communication tools, with far
more sensors than presently. Thus, this is envisaged that Flexible AC or DC Transmission/
Distribution System, Custom Power Systems (CUPS), Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and DG,
smart end-user appliances together with communications will be at the heart of the future Smart
Grids.

7. Modern power electronics (HVDC / FACTS) arrangements in EEN

The use of Power Electronics (PE) arrangements in EENs can be generally divided into:

• Electrical energy transmission system,

• Electrical energy distribution system.

The transmission system is composed basically of two complementary technologies for

controlling the transmission of energy:

• With conversion to DC current – HVDC devices;

• Directly – FACTS devices.

A general comparison of these devices is illustrated in Figure 7.2 and 7.3. An advantage of
HVDC devices is the capability to transmit energy between systems of various frequencies.
However, in the case of conventional HVDC, i.e., with the use of SCR thyristors, it is necessary
to use large filters and there is no possibility of supplying power to end-users on the side from
which the source is disconnected. This drawback does not occur when using modern devices,
such as GTO thyristors or IGBT transistors. Here, one should note that with HVDC devices
the entire energy from one system flows into the other through converters. As a result of this
the cost is high, even in single-station installations. While in FACTS devices, such as:

• SVC (Static VAR Compensator) and STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator),

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 • TCSC (Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator), TSSC (Thyristor Switched Series
Compensator) and SSSC (Static Synchronous Series Compensator),
• SPS (Static Phase Shifter),
• UPFC (Unified Power Flow Controller),

Only part of the power flows through the power converter. Such devices can be applied,
however, to the control of EE flow only in AC systems with a single frequency.

Figure 7.2. PE arrangements in DC transmission systems

Figure 7.3. PE arrangements in AC transmission systems

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A decidedly greater variety of PE arrangements occurs in distribution systems. In these systems
PE converters/ controllers are applied in general to:

• Matching parameters and coupling of distributed sources with power lines or local end-
users, and controlling consumption of EE with these sources (Figure 7.4),
• Matching parameters and coupling of energy storage with power lines, and controlling
the exchange of energy between storage systems and power lines (Figure 7.5),
• Improving the quality of the power supply, among other things: compensation of sags
and swells, asymmetry and distortions of supply voltage, as well as compensation for
distortion, asymmetry and phase shift in load current (Figure 7.5).

Figure 7.4. PE arrangements in alternative generation systems

Figure 7.5. PE arrangements in storage systems

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7.2. Examples of application:

Figure 7.6 illustrates the most important areas of use of PE arrangements in EEN, at various
levels of power. A further discussion of these areas, with reference to objects of this paper and
common characteristics of applied solutions, are limited to:

• Wind installations,
• Energy storage and of low-voltage sources,
• Network couplers and installations improving energy quality.

Figure 7.6. Area of application of PE arrangements in EEN: 1) wind generators, 2) energy

storage, 3) power supply systems from low-voltage sources, 4) network couplers, 5) devices
for improvement of energy quality, 6) devices for control of energy delivery

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8. Power-Electronics Smart Transformer

It is well known that traditional networks transformers are difficult to control as well as they
increase in a significant way the size of coupling AC installations. Moreover, in no load running
they generate relatively high reactive power and may cause voltage distortion. These factors
and other observed trends associated with change toward application of Smart Grids raised
interest in promoting EEN Electronics Power Interconnection (EPI) for AC systems.

Figure 8.1 illustrates simplified diversification of EPI for AC systems. Fit between PE
arrangements and EPI first of all is based on their application. Thus any AC/AC converters
(direct and indirect), as well as presented above “back-to-back” couplers, can be applied as
EPI. However, in practice, not all of the proposed solutions are efficient and acceptable. In
particular, many solutions related to connecting systems LV and MW might be debated. In this
case, due to differences in voltage, one must apply solutions including EPI with galvanic
isolation. Such EPI, regardless of its realization, is termed Solid State Transformer (SST).

Figure 8.1. Grouping of the Electronics Power Interconnection for AC Systems

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Figure 8.2 demonstrates different approaches to realization of a SST, where each SST consists
of the following converters: 1) MV AC-DC + MV/LV DC-DC + LV DC-AC; 2) MV/LV AC-
DC + LV DC-AC; 3) MV AC-DC + MV/LV DC/AC; 4) MV/LV AC-AC. Realization of 2 is
advantageous when unidirectional power flow is sufficient and requirements are not very high,
and when only lower power is concerned. In other cases, in particular if required bidirectional
power flow, realization 1 is favorable.

This realization of SST if the most flexible and can fulfill additional functions such as
improvement of input or output power quality or attachment of storage and renewable source
in LV DC-bus. At the same time, realization 4 with current power electronics technology is not
efficient and nothing seems to indicate changes in the near future. It appears that after
application of HF-transformer this realization would be concurrent to realization 1 with
transformer HF.

Figure 8.2. Different approaches to realize a SST: 1) three stage power conversion with MV
and LV DC-link; 2) two stage power conversion with LV DC-link only; 3) two stage power
conversion with MV DC-link only; 4) direct AC-AC converter without any DC-link

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However, even disregarding characteristics of PE switching, SST without DC-link cannot
smooth pulsation without instantaneous active power. SST without DC-link can improve power
quality only within the range of compensation of instantaneous reactive power. Moreover,
realization of 4 SST requires application of significantly larger input and output filters than in
the case of realization 1. Taking into consideration flexibility and multi-functionality, the PE
Smart Transformer should be used only for SST with configuration illustrated in Figure 8.3-2.

Figure 8.3. Two basic configuration of the bidirectional SST with HF transformer: 1) without
DC link, 2) with DC-link

Figure 8.4. Construction and comparison of conventional transformer and PE-ST

arrangement body dimensions

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9. Conclusion

Smart grids are a part of the public infrastructure and assure energy security by incorporating
a diversified range of power supplies to eliminate a dependency on fossil fuels, which
traditionally had been the primary source of energy. Additionally, the transition to use of a
smart grid entails not only modification of the power system, but also asks the question, in
regard to energy generation and consumption, of what is the ideal grid configuration in which
users can participate. Aiming to protect the global environment, the stage is now being set for
the creation of a sustainable energy system for future generations. In order to realize such an
energy system, the capability of fi ne control of energy is prerequisite. Such capability can be
achieved with power electronics technology, and the role of power electronics technology in
smart grids will continue to increase in importance.

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