Power Electronics and Electrical Engineering

Electricity is a vital resource that has an impact on almost every aspect of daily life. It is a component of modern existence that millions rely on without fully realising, from powering portable devices to lighting streets and buildings to enhancing industry efficiency. After all, electricity is just... there for the vast majority of Americans. In 2011, the overall per capita usage of electricity in the United States was around 313 British thermal units, according to the US Energy Information Administration. In the same year, global per capita consumption was 75 million Btu. The storage, consumption, and transportation of electricity is crucial since it is such a precious resource that is used in such vast quantities.

As an engineer, you can help manage not only the electricity in the United States and internationally, but also the equipment that use it. Consider pursuing a master's in engineering online from the University of California, Riverside to pursue a career in the growing specialisation of power electronics if you're seeking for an up-and-coming profession in this industry.

What is power electronics?

The use of solid-state electronics to the transformation and management of electrical power is known as power electronics. In its most basic form, it is the study of converting electrical power into various forms. This field's focus is usually on the conversion and control of electrical power, although it can also include study into system design, calculation, management, and assimilation. The goal is to control energy flow from source to load as efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively as feasible.

The study of power electronics has been around for a lot longer than most people think, albeit the exact period depends on what you believe power electronics to be. Some claim that the area originated in its earliest form with the invention of electrical devices in the nineteenth century, coinciding with the start of the so-called "electrical revolution." Others point to Peter Cooper Hewitt's invention of the glass-bulb pool-cathode mercury-arc rectifier in 1902 in the early twentieth century. Thomas G. Smith published a synopsis of the history of power electronics in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' magazine in 2000.Wilson proposed that the starting point be 1912, when E.F.W. Alexanderson of the General Electric Company applied for a patent for a method of modulating a high-frequency alternator's current for use in radio telephony.

Power electronics has seen numerous improvements since its inception more than a century ago, all of which have improved the process' efficiency and effectiveness. The transfer from mercury-arc valves to semiconductor switching devices, which was investigated and developed by scientist R.D. Middlebrook in the mid-20th century, was a significant development. Intel's invention of the first microcomputer in 1971 paved the way for even faster progress.

In recent years, researchers have begun to consider how power electronics can be applied to the pursuit of renewable energy. Other key applications that a modern engineer interested in power electronics will likely investigate include energy storage and the development and production of hybrid and electric cars. While electric motors and generators have been around for a long time, improvements in power storage have allowed electric automobiles to become a reality.

Power conversion systems

A thorough understanding of power conversion systems is required while studying or working in the field of power electronics. These systems are categorised into four groups based on the type of output and input power:

1. AC to AC.
2. AC to DC.
3. DC to DC.
4. DC to AC.

You'll need to know about single-phase half-bridge inverters, single-phase full-bridge inverters, three-phase voltage source inverters, and current source inverters, in addition to the differences between these classifications and their ramifications in industry. The multilevel inverter is a relatively new style of inverter that is gaining traction in the field. It provides more performance at a higher cost and complexity.

When you work in power electronics, you will likely be tasked with making decisions in the research, design and implementation of these conversion methods to increase the efficiency of electrical systems, depending on your particular role.