ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, POWER ELECTRONICS, RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS, AND SMART GRID

This chapter provides an overview of energy, environment, power electronics, renewable energy systems, and the smart grid. Energy is the life‐blood of human civilization and the wheel of its progress moves continuously with energy. A substantial portion of global energy demand can be met by promoting environmentally clean renewable energy sources, and the whole world is now moving in that direction. Power semiconductors have been the main driving force for power electronics technologies. Grid‐related power electronics can be classified as related to source, loads, and transmission and distribution. Renewable energy systems, mainly wind and photovoltaic solar systems, require power electronics interfaces. Smart grids require more controllability and better power quality, two areas with which power electronics can help. Power electronics‐based grid controllers include more conventional flexible alternating current transmission systems and high‐voltage direct current for transmission, and custom power for distribution.