Clean Energy Capability Portfolio | Grid Transformation |
Solid-State Transformers for Microgrids and
Battery Charging
Solid-state transformers ( SSTs ) utilise power electronic converters on either side of a medium frequency ( 20-100 kHz ) transformer . This provides bidirectional power flow , while addressing the fast control and protection objectives of modern microgrids and battery charging systems . SSTs overcome many limitations of 50 Hz utility transformers by offering higher power density and significantly reducing the size of power transformers . |
Competitive Advantage • Demonstrated capability in the design of converters and controllers for SSTs with 20 kHz transformer
• Modular design capability to supply higher power via series and parallel interconnections
• Designed , built and tested a 4kW SST at UNSW in 2018
Impact • Global market size for SSTs is currently valued at an estimated $ 100b , and is increasing at a rapid rate . This is due to their inherent ability for fast control and protection of power flow in both directions , high efficiency , and smaller footprint ( implying high power density ).
• SST will underpin the development of the intelligent grid – a grid that is not only smart , but capable of controlling the flow of power and energy through the expanding network , and remediating power quality and reliability for consumers and generators alike
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Capabilities and Facilities • UNSW has a proven track record in the design of SSTs . Although it has a reasonable infrastructure at low power levels , scaling up the existing 2kW SST will require further infrastructure development .
Our Collaborators • Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy ( TRaCE )
More Information Professor John Fletcher
School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
T : + 61 2 9385 6007
E : john . fletcher @ unsw . edu . au
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• Research undertaken at UNSW on SSTs resulted in several IEEE conference publications and Transactions |
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Successful Applications |
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• Intensive research in SST development is currently underway in several universities across Europe , USA and Japan , in conjunction with industries |
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• This research has attracted the attention of an Australian company with extensive experience in energy systems , resulting in the submission of a joint grant application to develop a 60kW SST for application in microgrid and battery charging installations |