Description:
Electric transformers generally increase and decrease the voltage of the transmitted electricity appropriately to optimally transmit electricity with minimal power losses. They are used numerously by the utility industry for the transmission of electricity. However, in their present state, the regular transformers perform only the job of voltage escalation or reduction. They do not allow for the collection of electric data at the respective transformer’s location in the grid, nor do they communicate with the grid in any way. With the arrival of the smart grid and smart electric devices, a more elegant solution to the regular transformer is required.
The subject technology involves the design of a Solid State Smart Transformer that deftly combines a Solid State Transformer (SST) with a Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU). The technology upgrades the regular, bulky transformer into a more elegant and smaller (thereby cost-effective) smart device that provides both data input and control input regarding the electric power system.
Reference Number: D-1009
Market Applications:
- Electric Power Transmission
- Smart Grid
- Renewable Energy
Features, Benefits & Advantages:
- High-surface area wires for catalysts and sensors
- Reduction in size and material cost
- Vast communication capabilities with smart devices within a smart grid system
- Allows for input from the solid state transformer, thereby improving both the device’s performance and the quality of power delivered
- Enhances the transformer with feedback and communication abilities
Intellectual Property:
A U.S. Provisional Patent, serial number 62/233,820 was filed on 9/28/15.
Development Stage:
The technology is currently in the design phase. Proof of concept of the disclosed technology can be completed 6 months to a year after funding is obtained to complete the research.
Researchers:
Dr. Stephen Bayne, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Whitacre College of Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Tyler Flack, Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Whitacre College of Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Keywords: Solid State Transformer , Feedback Transformer, Solid State Transformer with Conditioning, Solid State Transformer with Phasor Measurement Unit , Solid State Transformer with Control and Feedback, Smart Grid Solid State Transformer