Fundamentals of Power Electronics

Power electronics is defined as the application of solid-state electronics to the control and conversion of electric power. It also refers to a subject of research in electronic and electrical engineering that deals with the design, control, computation, time-varying energy-processing electronic systems with fast dynamics. Power electronic converters can be found wherever there is a need to modify the electrical energy form. With “classical” electronics, electrical currents and voltage are used to carry information, whereas with power electronics, they carry power. Some examples of uses for power electronic systems are DC/DC converters used in many mobile devices, such as cell phones or PDAs, and AC/DC converters in computers and televisions. Large scale power electronics are used to control hundreds of megawatt of power flow across our nation. Research in this area includes power electronics applications to control large scale power transmission and distribution as well as the integration of distributed and renewable energy sources into the grid. It is estimated that by the year 2030, more than 80% of all electrical energy will be processed by power electronics. The advantages continue to grow for technical engineers who understand the fundamental principles and technical requirements of modern power conversion systems. Fundamentals of Power Electronics covers design-oriented analysis, modeling and simulation techniques leading to practical engineering of high-performance power electronics systems. This book will lead you to practical examples of the most relevant concepts and methods. Power electronics applications are extended to various fields such as Aerospace, Automotive electrical and electronic systems, commercial, industrial, residential, telecommunication, transportation, utility systems, etc. In case of automotive electronics, the electrically-generated systems are used in automobiles such as road vehicles like telematics, in-car entertainment systems, carputers, and so on. The need to control engines of automobiles originated in automotive electronics for proper controlling and conversion. Application of power electronics in automotive applications plays a major role in controlling automotive electronics. Automotive electronics include modern electric power steering, HEV main inverter, central body control, braking system, seat control, and so on. Application of power electronics in the automotive power generation system provides automotive alternators with improved efficiency and high power, along with high temperature withstanding capacity and high-power density with a variety of research in designing of alternator with a switched mode power electronics applications. The frequently used alternator in automotive applications is Lundell or Claw-pole alternator, as it is suitable for the required emerging performance. Field and armature characteristics of this alternator are enhanced by the use of power electronics. These alternators are used in automobiles for supplying power to the batteries and electrical system while the engine is running. Automotive alternators require a power electronic voltage regulator for producing a constant voltage at the battery terminals by modulating small field current.