Solid State Transformers (SSTs) are the enabling technology for the grid of the future
The Grid of the Future is:
- Highly agile
- Multiply connected
- Carbon-neutral
- Programmable (controllable)
- Arbitrary P/Q Control
- Complete Nodal Control
- Network of asynchronous coupled grids
- Reconfigurable
SSTs decouple power system dynamics, reduce catastrophic, propagating failures throughout the grid. A modular SST can be sized to fit any power system, compared to large transformers which must be designed, fabricated, and installed in a custom manner, resulting in expensive replacements and long lead times. The wide-scale application of SSTs will result in a more robust, higher functioning grid that increases power quality and resiliency without significant cost.
Transforma Energy has designed, fabricated, and demonstrated a new SST technology that can:
- Dynamically supply bidirectional active and reactive power as required
- Provide arbitrary voltage magnitude at input and output
- Function asynchronously (arbitrary frequency and phase angle) between input and output
- Operate at extremely high efficiency (>98% at rated power).