07/22/2010
Greater yields from renewable energy sources
Hennigsdorf, 21 July 2010 – Leading power semiconductor manufacturer Semikron, converter developer and producer PCS Power Converter Solutions GmbH (PCS) and the Technical University of Dresden are the choice partners in the research project “More efficient use of regenerative energies with multi level topologies – EEMT”, a project which will receive around € 1.2 m in backing from the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF). The project is to run over a period of three years, ending in March 2013. The aim of the project is to develop innovative converter technology to boost efficiency in the utilisation of power gained from renewable sources.
Rising energy prices are not only a huge strain on the purse strings of private users, but are also becoming an increasingly important competitive factor on the German market at large. At the same time, climate targets are pushing consumers towards a more responsible use of resources. Today, for example, 40 % of the total energy consumed worldwide is electric power, a figure that is expected to increase to 60% by 2040.
As part of the EEMT project, an innovative converter is to be developed to convert the direct current generated by wind turbines or solar cells into alternating current that can then be fed into the grid. Conventional converters need filter circuits to meet the minimum quality requirements for the power to be fed into the grid. The problem is, however, that these filter circuits are not particularly efficient, meaning some of the energy generated is lost. The multilevel topology circuit developed within the EEMT project is intended for use with such power converters, with the aim of reducing filtering requirements substantially. The new circuit topology will also help reduce losses in the power lines to a minimum, boosting overall energy efficiency of the power generation unit. In terms of technology, such modules are more complex than the conventional converter modules used today; in financial terms, however, the use of the new converter modules offers very interesting prospects as a result of the increase in efficiency that they bring about.
During the research project, new intelligent integrated converter modules are to be developed by Semikron for use in an innovative power converter developed by PCS. The driver circuitry and protective components are to be developed by the Electrical Engineering Institute’s Chair for Power Electronics at the Technical University of Dresden.
The project is backed by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) within the framework of the “Power Electronics for Improved Energy Efficiency” initiative, which is part of the German government’s high-tech strategy and the “IT and communication technology 2020” initiative (ICT 2020). The ICT initiative focuses, amongst other things, on the expansion of the range of applications for electronics, with the purpose of achieving greater energy efficiency and reduced pollutant emissions with innovative power electronic systems.
About SEMIKRON
Semikron is an internationally leading power semiconductor manufacturer. Founded in 1951, the German-based family enterprise employs 3200 people worldwide. Semikron comprises a global network of 35 companies with production plants in China, Korea, India, South Africa, Brazil, USA, Italy, France, Slovakia and Germany that guarantees fast and competent on-site customer care.
About PCS Power Converter Solutions GmbH
PCS is a young, independent company with vast experience, about 190 expert staff, and a turnover of 70 million Euros. More than 70,000 times, PCS power converters have braved the tough service conditions of rail deployment (PCS Rail) and highly dynamic industrial requirements (PCS Blue Line). Since 2005, PCS brings a fresh breeze into power generation from wind energy. PCS Green Line power converters achieve peak performance for wind turbines – featuring user-friendly design, excellent control technology, life and simulated test runs, comprehensive project management, and all-round service.
About the Electrical Engineering Institute of the TU Dresden
The Electrical Engineering Institute (ETI) of the Technical University of Dresden is a teaching and research institute specialising in power electronics, drive engineering, and electrical engineering theory and boasts a more than 100-year-old tradition in these fields. The ETI is part of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, which is one of top research faculties in the area of electrical engineering in Germany.
Rising energy prices are not only a huge strain on the purse strings of private users, but are also becoming an increasingly important competitive factor on the German market at large. At the same time, climate targets are pushing consumers towards a more responsible use of resources. Today, for example, 40 % of the total energy consumed worldwide is electric power, a figure that is expected to increase to 60% by 2040.
As part of the EEMT project, an innovative converter is to be developed to convert the direct current generated by wind turbines or solar cells into alternating current that can then be fed into the grid. Conventional converters need filter circuits to meet the minimum quality requirements for the power to be fed into the grid. The problem is, however, that these filter circuits are not particularly efficient, meaning some of the energy generated is lost. The multilevel topology circuit developed within the EEMT project is intended for use with such power converters, with the aim of reducing filtering requirements substantially. The new circuit topology will also help reduce losses in the power lines to a minimum, boosting overall energy efficiency of the power generation unit. In terms of technology, such modules are more complex than the conventional converter modules used today; in financial terms, however, the use of the new converter modules offers very interesting prospects as a result of the increase in efficiency that they bring about.
During the research project, new intelligent integrated converter modules are to be developed by Semikron for use in an innovative power converter developed by PCS. The driver circuitry and protective components are to be developed by the Electrical Engineering Institute’s Chair for Power Electronics at the Technical University of Dresden.
The project is backed by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) within the framework of the “Power Electronics for Improved Energy Efficiency” initiative, which is part of the German government’s high-tech strategy and the “IT and communication technology 2020” initiative (ICT 2020). The ICT initiative focuses, amongst other things, on the expansion of the range of applications for electronics, with the purpose of achieving greater energy efficiency and reduced pollutant emissions with innovative power electronic systems.
About SEMIKRON
Semikron is an internationally leading power semiconductor manufacturer. Founded in 1951, the German-based family enterprise employs 3200 people worldwide. Semikron comprises a global network of 35 companies with production plants in China, Korea, India, South Africa, Brazil, USA, Italy, France, Slovakia and Germany that guarantees fast and competent on-site customer care.
About PCS Power Converter Solutions GmbH
PCS is a young, independent company with vast experience, about 190 expert staff, and a turnover of 70 million Euros. More than 70,000 times, PCS power converters have braved the tough service conditions of rail deployment (PCS Rail) and highly dynamic industrial requirements (PCS Blue Line). Since 2005, PCS brings a fresh breeze into power generation from wind energy. PCS Green Line power converters achieve peak performance for wind turbines – featuring user-friendly design, excellent control technology, life and simulated test runs, comprehensive project management, and all-round service.
About the Electrical Engineering Institute of the TU Dresden
The Electrical Engineering Institute (ETI) of the Technical University of Dresden is a teaching and research institute specialising in power electronics, drive engineering, and electrical engineering theory and boasts a more than 100-year-old tradition in these fields. The ETI is part of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, which is one of top research faculties in the area of electrical engineering in Germany.
- Source:
- PCS Power Converter Solutions GmbH
- Author:
- Sabine Matthes
- Email:
- info@pcs-converter.com
- Link:
- www.pcs-converter.com/...
