Power Electronics: Historical Notes, Recent Advances And Contemporary Challenges

Don Tan

doi:10.18618/REP.2020.4.00701

Authors

Don Tan IEEE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18618/REP.2020.4.00701

Keywords:

electronic power grid (eGrid), flexible autonomous power substations (FAPS), flexible electronic large power transformers (FeLPTs), Power Electronics, power electronics and systems (PEAS), Power supply on chip (PwrSoc), wireless power

Abstract

This paper attempts to summarize 10 major contemporary challenges for power electronics and system technology (PEAS technology). Historical background is first reviewed together with most recent technological advances. Recent advances are then discussed in detail. A recent breakthrough in megawatt system design and design verification is highlighted. We then articulate the challenges that PEAS technology is facing contemporarily. They are: Powering smart buildings, smart factories, and smart infrastructure, Renewable energy integration and structured microgrids, EV drives and vehicle power systems, Ultra-fast and ultra-efficient chargers, Appliances - “White goods,” Server and data center power systems’ Wireless power transfer, Powering IoT and wireless sensor networks, Storage and “power dump,” and ATGC (All things grid connected), system integration, and dynamic control. These 10 areas present technical barriers for us to overcome and anticipated progress will help define the future of power electronics and its impact to the power and energy industry at large.

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Author Biography

Don Tan, IEEE

, is a Distinguished Engineer/Fellow/Chief Engineer for Power Products with Northrop Grumman Space Systems. He earned his PhD from Caltech and is an IEEE fellow. Well-recognized as an authority in ultra-efficient power conversion and energy systems, he has pioneered breakthrough innovations with high-impact industry firsts and record performances that “significantly enhance national security.” Don has delivered 50+ keynotes and invited presentations across the globe. He has been serving Chair/Vice Chair, IEEE Next-Gen Financial System by the Board of Directors since 2018. He is Chair of IEEE Field Award on Transportation Electrification Technologies since 2019. He was Director, IEEE Board of Directors, 2017-2018. He is Steering Committee Chair for IEEE eGrid Workshop jointly sponsored by Power Electronics Society (PELS) and Power and Energy Society (PES). He has served on many IEEE PELS in many capacities, including Long Range Planning Committee Chair, Nomination Committee Chair, Society President, Editor-in-Chief (Founding) for IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics, Vice President for Operations, Guest Editor-inChief for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics and IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Fellow Committee, Vice President for Meetings, and Associated Editor for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics. He has served and is serving on many major national and international award/review/selection committees.

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