Application of power electronics to the distribution transformer

Author

Edward Robert Ronan Jr.

Abstract

"This dissertation describes the design and prototype construction of a novel Solid State Transformer (SST). Conventional distribution transformers are in many ways relics of turn-of-the-century technology. While efficient and inexpensive, their secondary voltage waveforms are tightly coupled to the applied primary voltage waveforms, and primary currents are dictated by the load currents. This can cause power quality problems for both the source and the load. Conventional distribution transformers also have inherent voltage drop which increases with load. Replacement of conventional distribution transformers with solid-state devices could provide control over the magnitudes and waveforms of the load voltage and input current. Self-protection would be a natural byproduct of the controls. At the same time, a solid-state transformer would perform all the functions of conventional devices.

Previous efforts to develop a solid-state transformer, including one recently sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), have been limited and comparatively crude demonstration projects. They did not provide isolation and have proven to be impractical when applied to utility distribution voltage levels. These efforts did, however, provide the level of interest sufficient to encourage design of the practical solid-state transformer described herein and eventual construction of a prototype.

In this dissertation, an SST architecture is set forth that is specifically designed to operate at utility distribution voltages. It provides a sinusoidal secondary voltage regardless of the primary voltage waveform, provides a secondary voltage magnitude that is independent of either load current or primary voltage magnitude, and at the same time draws sinusoidal input current which is in phase with the primary voltage regardless of secondary current or primary voltage waveshapes"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Sudhoff, Scott D.
Stanek, Keith

Committee Member(s)

Anderson, Max Darwin
Wiebe, Henry Allen
Crow, Mariesa
Erickson, Kelvin T.

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Electrical Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 2000

Pagination

x, 144 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 142-143).

Rights

© 2000 Edward Robert Ronan, Jr., All rights reserved.

Document Type

Dissertation - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 7748

Print OCLC #

45893176

Link to Catalog Record

Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Otherwise, request this publication directly from Missouri S&T Library or contact your local library.

Recommended Citation

Ronan, Edward Robert Jr., "Application of power electronics to the distribution transformer" (2000). Doctoral Dissertations. 1358.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/doctoral_dissertations/1358