CONFERENCE
2014 Tutorials
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Qiang LiAbstract
Over a period of 15 years, the Intel processor has evolved from a relatively low current of 10 A to an increased consumption of more than 100 A. Current generation of Intel's processor also requires a fast dynamic response in order to implement the sleep/power mode of operation. This mode is necessary to conserve energy and extend operation time for battery-powered equipment. This has been possible because of multi-phase voltage regulator (VR) that powers almost every Intel processor today. At the heart of this success story, the VR is a specialized Point-of-Load converter that provides precisely regulated output with fast dynamic response so that energy can be transferred as fast as possible to the microprocessor. This presentation will give a general overview of multi-phase VR, and address some advanced technologies, such as integrated power device, coupled inductor, two-stage architecture and constant-on control. These technologies either have been used already or are poised to be adopted by industry to enable high-efficiency high-density fast-transient VR design. Several emerging technologies, such as gallium nitride (GaN) device and magnetic component integration will also be discussed to show that the power density and transient speed of future VR could be further improved to another level.
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Rolando BurgosAbstract
The advancement of power electronics has been a key enabler of the vast proliferation of renewable energy sources in the electrical power grid over the past several years, acting both as energy source interface and as transmission and compensation asset in HVDC and FACTS-supported HVAC systems for energy transport. Similarly, the ever increasing deployment of micro-grids has relied fully on power electronics converters to act as smart-interface to distribution systems, besides the ever stronger trend to use PWM active front-end rectification to interface myriad industrial applications in need of complying with more stringent power quality and efficiency standards, as well as increasingly demanding grid codes. The future, accordingly, looms auspiciously for the power electronics field, as visionary concepts like the "super-grid," a network of fractal power electronics interfaced sub-grids, become a contemplative alternative. The numerous advantages and superior dynamic performance among others come nonetheless at the cost of heightened dynamic interactions, which auger a rich dynamic environment promising immense benefits if the operation of power converters within safe boundaries can be ensured. To this end, this tutorial will present some of the most relevant aspects presently being investigated in CPES regarding the analysis and modeling of power-converter-induced interactions in grid-connected applications.
