Power constraints and transformer technology
As the expansion of AI data centers drives a sharp increase in electricity demand, solid-state transformers, which are smaller than conventional transformers and offer better power control, are attracting attention as a potential way to ease grid bottlenecks.
According to technology publication MIT Technology Review on October 27, with all dates given in local time, supply of large transformers in the United States has failed to keep pace with demand, extending lead times for some equipment to as much as 5 years. Conventional equipment uses specialty steel sheets and large amounts of copper wire, making it large and heavy, while production also requires skilled workers.
Solid-state transformers use power semiconductors to control the frequency and voltage of electric current. They convert alternating current into direct current, then use silicon carbide semiconductors to produce high-frequency alternating current and change the voltage. Some designs can deliver the same capacity at about 1/10 the size of conventional equipment. Integrating rectifier and inverter functions can also reduce equipment space requirements and power losses.
Prototype testing and efficiency
Testing under actual grid conditions has also taken place. Researchers at North Carolina State University in the United States developed a 1-megawatt (MW) prototype with the New York Power Authority and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). They connected it to a 13,200-volt distribution line at a Massachusetts testing facility in June and operated it, publishing the results in August.
The peak efficiency of the power conversion module measured by the research team in the laboratory was about 98%. This was higher than the approximately 96% efficiency of a conventional transformer and rectifier combination, but the field test did not establish that the entire unit achieved 98% efficiency.
Commercialization and remaining challenges
Private investment is also increasing. Heron Power raised $140 million, approximately 186.984 billion won, in February and is pursuing commercialization of its Heron Link solid-state transformer. It plans to apply the technology to data centers, solar power generation and energy storage system applications. A test linked to a 10-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery is also being prepared in California.
However, further development is needed before the technology can also replace transformers in high-voltage transmission networks. Long-term operating reliability, fault response and standardization remain challenges, so near-term discussion of potential applications centers on medium-voltage facilities such as data centers.
Original Korean article: digitaltoday.co.kr
English brief by Korea Wind Intelligence, koreawindintel.com
