What is power electronics?

Power electronics is the area of engineering that focuses on applying solid-state electronics
to the transformation and management of electrical power. In basic terms, it is the study of
changing electrical power to different forms. This focus of the field typically relates to the
conversion and control of electrical power, but can also pertain to research related to the
design, computation, management and assimilation of the systems. The goal is to control the
energy’s flow from source to load in the most efficient, reliable, cost-effective way possible.

The study of this field has existed for longer than most may expect, though the starting date
depends on what you consider to be power electronics. Some say that the field began in its
earliest form through the electrical machines of the 19th century, at the advent of what is
considered the electrical revolution. Others point to the early 20th century and Peter Cooper
Hewitt’s invention of the glass-bulb pool-cathode mercury-arc rectifier in 1902. In his 2000
summary of the history of power electronics published in the journal of the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Thomas G. Wilson suggested that the starting point
should be seen as the year 1912, when the General Electric Company’s E.F.W. Alexanderson
applied for a patent for a process that modulated a high-frequency alternator’s current for the
use of radio telephony.
Since its onset more than 100 years ago, power electronics has gone through an incredible
number of changes that have made the process more efficient and effective. One significant
development was the change from mercury-arc valves to semiconductor switching devices,
which were explored and developed by scientist R.D. Middlebrook in the mid-20th century.
The development of the first microcomputer by Intel in 1971 led to more rapid advancements.

In recent years, the field has started to look at ways that power electronics can be used in the
pursuit of renewable energy. Other important applications that you will likely explore as a
modern engineer interested in power electronics include the mass storage of energy and the
development and creation of hybrid and electric vehicles. While electric motors and
generators have been made for years, it is the breakthroughs in power storage that have made
electric cars possible.

Power conversion systems

When studying or working in the field of power electronics, a deep understanding of power
conversion systems is a must. There are four types of these systems, which are classified
based on the type of output and input power:

 AC to AC.
 AC to DC.
 DC to DC.
 DC to AC.
In addition to understanding the differences between these classifications and their
implications in industry, you will also need to be familiar with single-phase half-bridge
inverters, single-phase full-bridge inverters, three-phase voltage source inverters and current
source inverters. A relatively new class of inverters that is increasingly gaining attention in
the field is the multilevel inverter, which offers higher performance, though it is more
expensive and complex.
When you work in power electronics, you will likely be tasked with making decisions in the
research, design and implementation of these conversion methods to increase the efficiency
of electrical systems, depending on your particular role.

The applications of power electronics

Engineers have a number of industrial applications for the research done in the field of power
electronics. They range from small pieces, such as components of battery chargers, to
physically larger projects, such as the development of vehicles and transportation systems.
What do industrial lasers, refrigerators, trolleys, air conditioning systems and textile mills all
have in common? They all benefit from the application of power electronics. The conversion
of electrical energy has myriad residential and commercial uses.

And these applications are not limited to our planet. Organizations like NASA have found a
number of uses for power electronics in aerospace research and development, including the
design and creation of spacecraft power systems.

Whatever job you hold in power electronics, you will likely be charged with finding new,
innovative applications for the latest and greatest research being done in the field.