Comprehensive Review of Solid State Transformers in the Distribution System: From High Voltage Power Components to the Field Application

Abstract

This paper presents a systematical and progressive appraisal of the technology since the inception of AC-AC conversion, which is seen to be an indispensable and vital for the advancement of the Solid State Transformer (SST) in a distribution system. Special attention is given to the concepts/topologies and architecture of the SST, the DC-DC conversion devices in the isolation facet, the inversion gadget in the bridge arrangement and their integration in the development of an economically viable and efficient SST design. For the purpose of this article, a number of research papers, research proposals and research dissertations/studies have been accessed that mostly cover work related to this device and brief discussions about several aspects. The various sections of this article are correspondingly devoted to the review of SST design and its various configurations, the significant stages of the DC-DC converter from a transformer-specific perspective and lastly the high-frequency inverter. In critical appraisal, the SST in a three-stage perspective, the dual half-bridge converter and high-frequency half-bridge inverter are the most viable and promising means, offering tremendous advantages over other configurations with emphasis on economy, high flexibility and control performance; thereby weighed as the most workable, practical and realistic solutions. The foremost potential application of this expedient includes a vital component of the power grid.