Medium-Frequency Transformer for Enabling Efficient DC Smart Grids

For over 100 years, electricity grids have worked with alternating current (AC). With advances in power electronics, direct current (DC) is becoming the new norm; most appliances, computers, and electric cars run on DC. A transition to DC electricity grids requires high-performance power electronic conversion devices, or solid-state transformers (SSTs). Now, researchers from EPFL  have developed a compact, medium-frequency transformer prototype. The new device could enhance the flexibility and efficiency of future smart grids and DC power distribution networks.