Advanced Semiconductor Impact on Distributed Generation, Energy Storage and the Utility Grid

This paper examines some of the weaknesses of the modern utility grid and discusses the likelihood that wide band gap (WBG) semiconductors will significantly impact the arena of grid electronics. Certainly existing applications will benefit from improved efficiency and reliability and, where required, reduced volume and weight. Meanwhile, the advent of truly high-voltage, high-frequency, high-temperature and low loss electronics will open up many new applications in the utility grid. The state of the art of these advanced semiconductors is discussed in addition to the opportunities for expanded functionality in grid electronics, solid-state replacements for electromechanical devices such as protective relays and new protection technologies such as solid state current limiting.