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Wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are key enablers of power-electronics converters for aerospace platforms, where high efficiency, weight reduction, and thermal robustness are critical requirements. This paper presents the main challenges associated with the use of these technologies, including protection requirements, electromagnetic compatibility, and thermal management, as well as the material advantages that enable higher switching frequencies and lower losses compared to conventional Si technologies. A comparative analysis of semiconductor technologies and suitable power-conversion topologies for the aerospace context is provided. Representative laboratory-scale experimental validation is presented, including the development of a DC–DC boost converter and a DC–AC full-bridge inverter, which are linked through the common DC-link and are used for interfacing batteries and an electrical motor, both based on GaN and SiC diodes. The results demonstrated the correct operation, with stable high-frequency performance under controlled laboratory conditions, supporting aerospace-oriented development, although evaluated in a laboratory environment, confirming the potential of WBG technologies for future power-conversion architectures.

Electrical power grids are changing with a focus on ensuring energy sustainability and enhanced power quality for all sectors. Over the last few decades, there has been a change from a centralized to a decentralized paradigm, which is the consequence of a large-scale incorporation of new electrical technologies and resultant equipment. Considering the foreseeable continuation of changes in electrical power grids, a direction rooted in power electronics with a focus on hybrid AC/DC grids, including the support of solid-state transformers and unified systems, is presented in this paper. Converging on hybrid AC/DC grids, DC grids (structured as unipolar and bipolar) and coupled and decoupled AC configurations are analyzed. On the other hand, in the context of solid-state transformers, feasible structures are analyzed, including the establishment of hybrid AC/DC grids, and the assessment of gains for boosting power quality is presented. Unified power electronics systems are also of fundamental importance when contextualized within the framework of future power grids, presenting higher efficiency, lower power stages, and the possibility of multiple operations to support the main AC grid. In this paper, such subjects are discussed and contextualized within the framework of future power grids, encompassing highly important and modern structures and their associated challenges. Various situations are characterized, revealing a gradual integration of the cited technologies for future power grids, which are also known as smart grids.

Power grids are progressing, and the possibility of incorporating DC grids toward hybrid AC/DC grids is gaining increasing relevance, as several technologies available nowadays are operating natively in DC. This paper proposes a topology of a full-controlled bidirectional dual-stage interleaved converter for interfacing hybrid AC/DC grids. The topology is based on a dual-stage architecture, constituted by an AC/DC converter and by a DC/DC converter, both based on interleaved power converters. On the AC side, which is connected to the main AC power grid, the proposed dual-stage architecture operates with sinusoidal current in phase or phase opposition with the voltage, meaning a bidirectional operation. In addition, it has the possibility of interfacing with other AC loads, such as domestic electrical appliances, or with an AC microgrid. The DC link, formed by the AC/DC power stage, is interfaced with a DC power grid, which provides numerous advantages, e.g., for interfacing battery electric vehicles directly charged in DC, as well as other DC loads, such as renewable energy sources. The DC/DC power stage is considered for interfacing with an energy storage system, which is capable of bidirectional power exchange with the DC grid or with the AC grid through the AC/DC power stage. A complete laboratory prototype was designed and developed, with the unified control algorithms implemented on a digital signal processor. The experimental results validated the operation of the full-controlled bidirectional dual-stage interleaved converter based on the specifications for the hybrid AC/DC grid, such as bidirectional operation, synchronization with the AC power grid, predictive current control, interleaved operation on both AC/DC and DC/DC power stages, DC-link voltage control for the DC grid, as well as the operation with different power levels.

The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) into medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) power systems presents significant challenges in ensuring power grid stability and energy sustainability. Advanced power conversion technologies are essential to mitigate voltage and frequency fluctuations while meeting stringent power quality standards. RES-based generation systems typically employ multistage power electronics to achieve: (i) maximum power point tracking; (ii) galvanic isolation and voltage transformation; (iii) high-quality power injection into the power grid. In this context, this paper provides a comprehensive review of up-to-date isolated DC–DC converter topologies tailored for the integration of RES. As a contribution to support this topic, recent advancements in solid-state transformers (SSTs) are explored, with particular emphasis on the adoption of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors technologies, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN). These devices have revolutionized modern power systems by enabling operation at a higher switching frequency, enhanced efficiency, and increased power density. By consolidating state-of-the-art advancements and identifying technical challenges, this review offers insights into the suitability of power converter topologies in light of future trends, serving as a valuable resource for optimizing grid-connected RES-based sustainable power systems.

This article presents the design and implementation of a DC–DC power converter for application in electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging systems. The prototype is of the resonant LLC type and consists of a high-power transformer operating at high frequency, which is an essential feature for the adequate behavior of the EV fast-charging system as a whole. As demonstrated throughout the article, by using this converter topology as well as its specific operating modes, such as for achieving zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and zero-current switching (ZCS), it is possible to enhance efficiency by reducing conduction and switching losses as well as to increase power density. The details of the high-power high-frequency transformer (HFT), considering different designs, are presented and discussed. With the implemented laboratorial prototype fully developed with silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor devices, it was possible to demonstrate and validate the main features of the resonant LLC converter, including high efficiency, under distinct conditions of operation.

Hydrogen has been receiving a lot of attention in the last few years since it is seen as a viable, yet not thoroughly dissected alternative for addressing climate change issues, namely in terms of energy storage, and therefore, great investments have been made towards research and development in this area. In this context, a study about the main options for hydrogen production, along with the analysis of a variety of the main power electronics converter topologies for such applications, is presented as the purpose of this paper. Much of the analyzed available literature only discusses a few types of hydrogen production methods, so it becomes crucial to include an analysis of all known types of methods for producing hydrogen, according to their production type, along with the color code associated with each type, and highlighting the respective contextualization, as well as advantages and disadvantages. Regarding the topologies of power electronics converters most suitable for hydrogen production, and more specifically, for green hydrogen production, a list of them was analyzed through the available literature, and a discussion of their advantages and disadvantages is presented. These topologies present the advantage of having a low ripple current output, which is a requirement for the production of hydrogen.

Over the last few years, hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution for problems related to energy sources and pollution concerns. The integration of hydrogen in the transport sector is one of the possible various applications and involves the implementation of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs). A key obstacle for HRS deployment, in addition to the need for well-developed technologies, is the economic factor since these infrastructures require high capital investments costs and are largely dependent on annual operating costs. In this study, we review hydrogen’s application as a fuel, summarizing the principal systems involved in HRS, from production to the final refueling stage. In addition, we also analyze the main equipment involved in the production, compression and storage processes of hydrogen. The current work also highlights the main refueling processes that impact energy consumption and the methodologies presented in the literature for energy management strategies in HRSs. With the aim of reducing energy costs due to processes that require high energy consumption, most energy management strategies are based on the use of renewable energy sources, in addition to the use of the power grid.

Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions are a key topic addressed by modern societies worldwide. As a contribution to mitigate such effects caused by the transportation sector, the full adoption of electric mobility is increasingly being seen as the main alternative to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which is supported by positive industry indicators, despite some identified hurdles. For such objective, power electronics technologies play an essential role and can be contextualized in different purposes to support the full adoption of electric mobility, including on-board and off-board battery charging systems, inductive wireless charging systems, unified traction and charging systems, new topologies with innovative operation modes for supporting the electrical power grid, and innovative solutions for electrified railways. Embracing all of these aspects, this paper presents a review on power electronics technologies for electric mobility where some of the main technologies and power electronics topologies are presented and explained. In order to address a broad scope of technologies, this paper covers road vehicles, lightweight vehicles and railway vehicles, among other electric vehicles.

The growing incorporation of distributed energy resources (DER) in power distribution grids, although pivotal to the energy transition, increases operational variability and amplifies the exposure to disturbances that can compromise resilience and the continuity of service during contingencies. Addressing these challenges requires both a shift toward flexible distribution architectures and the adoption of advanced power electronics interfacing systems. In this setting, this paper proposes a resilience-oriented strategy for medium-voltage (MV) distribution systems and clustered hybrid AC/DC microgrids interfaced through solid-state transformers (SSTs). When a fault occurs along an MV feeder segment, the affected microgrids naturally transition to islanded operation. However, once their local generation and storage become insufficient to sustain autonomous operation, the proposed framework reconfigures the power routing within the cluster by activating an emergency low-voltage DC (LVDC) power path that bypasses the faulted MV section. This mechanism enables controlled power sharing between microgrids during prolonged MV outages, ensuring the supply of priority loads without oversizing SSTs or reinforcing existing infrastructure. Experimental validation on a reduced-scale SST prototype demonstrates stable grid-forming and grid-following operation. The reliability of the proposed scheme is supported by both steady-state and transient experimental results, confirming accurate voltage regulation, balanced sinusoidal waveforms, and low current tracking errors. All tests were conducted at a switching frequency of 50 kHz, highlighting the robustness of the proposed architecture under dynamic operation.

Recent research advances in sensors, wireless communications, network protocols, microelectronics, cloud computing, and machine learning, among others, are driving the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) [...]