Power electronics enables the efficient generation, use, and distribution of electrical energy because it substantially improves energy conversion efficiency. In order to realize the large electrical energy savings potential enabled by power electronics suitable technological solutions at acceptable cost levels are needed. Moreover, public policy and public acceptance must play an increasingly important role. An effective way to quantify the value of power electronics is needed and it must be presented in such a way that it is understood and appreciated by policymakers. In this paper, energy payback time is shown to be a powerful tool for weighing the value of energy savings achieved by using power electronics versus the energy needed to manufacture the systems. A life cycle analysis of two power electronic converters and their parts is performed. The benefits of energy savings versus energy invested in manufacturing and end-of-life management of power converters is analyzed. It is shown that power electronics systems have considerably shorter energy payback time compared to other technologies.@en

At a workshop held on the Aeolian Islands in Sicily during May 2004 a group of academic and industry engineers from all over the world discussed the medium- and long-term future of power electronics and its applications in specific areas. The following main issues were identified and discussed: The demand is not for power electronic solutions but for system integration of electronic power processing. A more multidisciplinary approach is needed. We will witness a proliferation of energy storage in systems. The technology is in place and the improvement in system performance makes it worth while. A large penetration of power electronics into power systems will happen within the next 25-30 years. The main transmission grid will not be affected. The power electronics development will be in distributed generation and in the loads. The success of the integrated starter/generator (ISG), hybrid, or electric cars depends on political decisions more than on technological advances. However, the success of a recent Japanese hybrid car and the cost of oil could trigger the critical momentum for large-scale use of power electronics in automotive applications. We are moving toward standardized power supply building blocks for computers and other applications. The main push is for lower cost, and production technology becomes the important issue. Demands for improved performance in a diversity of applications will stimulate R&D in power electronics in the future. Intelligent control and energy management will come easily. Thermal and passive component integration is equally important and will require attention.@en

Abstract The reason for working towards the integration of power-electronic converters is the same as for micro-electronics: savings in manufacturing time and cost, reduced volume and mass, as well as simplified installation and maintenance. It is expected that in future, integrated power-electronic components would be sold as over-the-counter products, either application-specific or suitable for general use in various power-electronic topologies, especially resonant converters. Detailed suggestions are given of how one generic, integrated LCT component could be used to implement various resonant converter topologies-by merely reconfiguring the external terminals of the integrated component. As a case study, the design and performance of a 3 kW integrated resonant converter is compared with a standard 3 kW discrete resonant converter.@en

At a workshop held on the Aeolian Islands in Sicily during May 2004 a group of academic and industry engineers from all over the world discussed the medium-and long-term future of power electronics and its applications in specific areas. The following main issues were identified and discussed. - The demand is not for power electronic solutions but for system integration of electronic power processing. A more multidisciplinary approach is needed. - We will witness a proliferation of energy storage in systems. The technology is in place and the improvement in system performance makes it worthwhile. - A large penetration of power electronics into power systems will happen within the next 25-30 years. The main transmission grid will not be affected. The power electronics development will be in distributed generation and in the loads. - The success of the integrated starter/generator, hybrid or electric cars depends on political decisions more than on technological advances. However, the success of a recent Japanese hybrid car and the cost of oil could trigger the critical momentum for large-scale use of power electronics in automotive applications. - We are moving toward standardized power supply building blocks for computers and other applications. The main push is for lower cost, and production technology becomes the important issue. - Demands for improved performance in a diversity of applications will stimulate R&D in power electronics in future. Intelligent control and energy management will come easily. Thermal and passive component integration is equally important and will require attention.@en