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Our Recent Work
Enabling Medium Voltage Testing for Megawatt Power Converters
Grid Resiliency Lab
The Grid Resiliency Lab at the University of South Carolina focuses on the design, development, and deployment of power converters across a wide power range and their application to electric grid aiming to enhance resiliency, efficiency, and flexibility. The power rating ranges from ultra-compact 5V, 5W converters to high-power medium voltage 3 MW systems. Our work focuses on compact, high power, high frequency, and medium-voltage systems applied to various grid-connected systems including distributed generations, energy storage, electronic loads, data centers, and distribution systems. By investigating both low- and high-power converters, the lab bridges the gap between device-level behavior and grid-scale integration, supporting innovations that impact everything from consumer electronics to grid-scale generations and loads.
Our research encompasses modeling, simulation, prototyping, and experimental validation of converters for various applications. We emphasize the use of advanced semiconductor technologies, innovative thermal management techniques, advanced magnetics, and cutting-edge control strategies to improve overall system performance. The lab is committed to addressing real-world energy challenges and collaborates closely with industry partners and academic researchers. Through hands-on experience and interdisciplinary projects, students in the lab gain practical skills while contributing to the future of sustainable and intelligent power systems.
It only took three years, but we finally did it! We successfully connected the pad-mounted medium voltage transformer, enabling us to generate 13.8kV AC voltage in the lab. This setup allows us to vary the AC voltage from zero to 13.8kV for developing and testing medium voltage (15kV class) megawatt power converters. Currently, we are using this for a megawatt semi-truck charging system, and soon, we will develop and test megawatt-scale Sodium-Ion battery inverters.
From Research to Real-World Impact: Phenogy Establishes U.S. HQ in Columbia
Our team’s expertise, experience, and state-of-the-art facilities in developing megawatt and medium-voltage converters for energy storage systems were key factors in Phonegy’s (https://www.phenogy.com) decision to establish its U.S. headquarters in Columbia, SC (https://lnkd.in/eZ6jUfZ2). We are excited to collaborate with this innovative company on energy conversion systems for MW-scale Sodium-Ion batteries.
Email: nasiri@sc.edu
Phone: 803-576-7796
Address: 1000 catawba st columbia sc