Mobile Utility Support Equipment based Solid State Transformer (MUSE-SST) for MV Grid Interconnection with Gen3 10 kV SiC MOSFETs

Abstract

With the increasing maturity of Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor devices at medium voltage (MV) level, high switching frequencies and low conduction losses in MV applications is possible. Higher switching frequency operation enables the reduction in size and weight of transformers. In an application such as MV-MV or MV-LV grid-interconnection, a solid state transformer offers a multitude of advantages compared to conventional transformers. A reduction in size and weight, in addition to having active and reactive power flow control have made SSTs a lucrative replacement to conventional low frequency (LF) transformers. Lower conduction losses exhibited by SiC devices (as compared to their silicon counterparts) have made it possible to achieve similar efficiencies as compared to conventional LF transformers. This paper aims at providing an overview of a MV MUSE-SST topology. A brief idea on control and monitoring is also provided. Practical design considerations that are required to build a MV system is provided to aid researchers in designing converters for MV applications. The protection aspects of the MV MUSE-SST system is also highlighted. Basic experimental results for the gate driver is also shown. Initial testing results with the Gen3 10 kV SiC MOSFETs and the challenges associated with it are also discussed. This research aims at being a building block for implementation and testing of the medium voltage converter systems.