Power Electronics Standards Sustaining Existing Technologies and Aiding Adoption of New Technologies

The role of power electronics needed by advanced technologies requires more efficient, reliable, and sustainable solutions. Standards are needed to support the broad spectrum of the entire innovation development cycle from research through end-product. The role of standards to develop metrics and methodologies is paramount to ensure a smooth transition from research through manufacturing to real-time implementations in everyday activities. The earlier in the technology development cycle that standards are developed and the more voices that contribute during the standards development cycle, the more successful will be the power electronics products. Standards are not just to sustain mature technologies but have a significant impact on the adoption and success of emerging technologies if the power electronics community embraces the initiatives. For more than 10 years, the Power Electronics Society (PELS) has proactively developed standards to enable new power electronics innovations and their adoption. This article provides a brief overview of the standards development activity within PELS, including current and past projects. The structure and stages of the standards development process are described, and an outline given of the methodology that drives open discussions to ensure arriving at a consensus. The resulting standards are sufficient and dependable to support evolving markets with products that meet developer, manufacturer, and consumer needs.