What Are the Application Areas of Solid-State Transformers? A Complete Guide
Solid-state transformers (SST) offer high efficiency, reliability, and flexibility, making them suitable for a wide range of applications:
Power Systems: In the upgrade and replacement of traditional transformers, solid-state transformers show significant development potential and market prospects. SSTs enable efficient, stable power conversion along with intelligent control and management, helping to enhance the reliability, adaptability, and intelligence of power systems.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations: SSTs enable efficient and precise power conversion and control, and are increasingly used in EV battery charging technologies. With fast response, smooth control of vehicle peak power, and the ability to support power feedback, SSTs are expected to become a key technology in future EV charging.
High-Speed Trains: SSTs can be used in the traction power systems of high-speed trains, providing efficient and reliable power conversion, transformer control, and rapid response to dynamic load changes. They offer advantages in improving train performance, cooling efficiency, and weight management.
Renewable Energy: In power generation systems such as solar and wind, SSTs enable efficient and reliable power conversion and control. This improves the reliability and grid integration of renewable energy, helping to address challenges related to connecting renewables to the grid.
Data Centers
Medium-voltage power supply and facility-level DC distribution based on SSTs
Replacing conventional AC distribution with facility-level DC distribution to reduce losses and improve reliability
Offshore Wind Power
AC step-up and isolation via high-frequency transformers within SSTs
Compact, high-efficiency offshore substations equipped with SSTs enable long-distance HVDC transmission
Subsea Grids
Platform-free or float-free DC power transmission using SSTs
Compact, weight-optimized SST configurations enable longer-distance subsea operations
Power-to-Gas
SST configurations utilizing surplus wind/solar energy for electrolysis and hydrogen storage
Compact SST designs ideal for converting high-power AC to low-voltage DC
Smart Grids and EV Charging
SST configurations for DC microgrids
Higher efficiency and lower cost by eliminating low-voltage DC conversion
SST-based bidirectional medium-voltage interfaces
Establish energy hubs for efficient energy management, peak shaving, and grid stabilization
Aircraft and Naval Vessel Electrification
Superconducting power distribution systems for electric aircraft propulsion using SSTs
Compact, weight-optimized SSTs offer design flexibility in power transmission
Marine DC power distribution based on SSTs
SST-enabled DC distribution can improve energy efficiency by up to 20%
In summary, solid-state transformers are applicable in power systems, EV charging stations, high-speed trains, renewable energy generation, and beyond, demonstrating broad application prospects and significant market potential.
