Power electronic technologies for flexible DC distribution grids

Market liberalization has significantly changed the energy supply system in Europe, i.e. from a top-down centralized power generation system towards a more decentralized system. In addition, partially due to incentive programs, vast amounts of renewable power generator systems (mostly wind and PV) have been installed. More flexible grid structures are needed to cope with this new landscape of distributed generation. This paper explores the role of state-of-the-art power electronics to realize the required infrastructure. The potential efficiency gains and cost savings that can be realized by using DC-to-DC converters in electronic substations are presented in detail.