How power electronics contribute to the current energy arena

Abstract

The current energy scenario has introduced several challenges to be solved such as the efficient electrification of the oil and gas applications, the integration of clean energy generation, the use of efficient high-power and energy storage systems and the electric vehicles development. The energy industry and the electrical providers have to face the problems introduced by the integration of renewable energy systems in terms of reliability and stability of the power grid. The grid has to be robust and efficient in terms of reduced losses. In this way, for instance energy distribution systems based on the HVDC topology are being installed all over the world. On the other hand, it becomes extremely important to use energy storage systems in order to stabilize and improve the efficiency of the power systems using ultimate generation batteries, ultracapacitors, hydrogen based systems and mechanical systems, just to mention a few. On the other hand, the electrical vehicles (hybrid or pure electrical) need high performance power electronic systems to drive efficiently the power. This paper reviews briefly the current scenario where power electronics converters are being applied. In the manuscript, the main focus moves towards the energy distribution systems, the renewable energy sources, the energy storage systems and the electric vehicle applications, reviewing the different alternatives and topologies, already as industrial products or still as research lines in the academia.