An Integrated Approach
Sandia’s work in power electronics and controls supports grid security by developing ways to increase resiliency, performance, and efficiency.
Sandia’s power electronics research advances power conversion system (PCS) technologies for the electric grid and utility-scale energy storage to increase security, resilience, and performance. Because PCS technologies help convert and control the flow of electricity through the grid, these technologies determine how resources are integrated into the grid and which end-use applications, services, and revenue streams they may participate in. In energy storage installations, the PCS physically connects energy storage resources to utilities and controls the exchange of electrical energy.
Sandia’s power conversion system research develops flexible, scalable, and highly reliable PCS to support their critical, expanding role in the grid and within energy storage systems. Our research efforts span the synthesis and characterization of new power processing materials to full-scale validation of advanced converter topologies and control schemes. Our work can be broadly categorized into three areas:
- Advanced materials and components: Leveraging advanced material properties to fundamentally improve the performance characteristics of basic power conversion devices
- Circuits, topologies, and system integration strategies: Identifying optimal methods of integrating advanced components and devices to produce more efficient, more reliable, and more cost-effective power conversion circuits
- Models, controls, and applications: Developing new power conversion hardware architectures and intelligent control strategies to improve energy storage system performance, scalability, safety, and reliability
Sandia’s power electronics research and development is internationally recognized and has received multiple R&D 100 Awards for breakthroughs such as a fiber optic current sensor, an emitter turn-off thyristor, and high-temperature silicon carbide (SiC) power modules. With multiple patents and over 70 published research papers, our program offers partners access to proven expertise and cutting-edge technologies.
Contact us to learn more about our research, impact, and how to work with us.
Contact
Valerio De Angelis
(505) 803-0370
EGS@sandia.gov