Power System Electronics

Whilst the potential benefits of power electronics in the transmission and distribution of electricity are recognised, uptake of this technology has been limited. This work-stream will focus on research that will lead to increased application of power electronics in the electricity supply industry. Activity will be targeted at emerging areas, where power electronics provides essential functionality, and techniques that will overcome barriers to deployment.
    
DC Networks.  A large expansion of generation from offshore renewable resources is predicted. This emerging area is likely to become the seeding ground for advanced generation and transmission technologies.  Multi-port DC power networks have been identified as one of the key enabling technologies for this sector. Such networks will require the use of advanced high-voltage power electronics hardware and the development of new power system control architectures. The partners in this stream will be investigating an integrated programme addressing control, protection and underlying power electronics hardware requirements for multi-port DC networks.