The present system and method for power converters is particularly though not exclusively suited for microgrids such as those found on ships and airplanes. (Grids and microgrids are generally referred to in this document as “power systems.”)

Electrical power systems generally consist of generation, transmission, distribution, and end use elements. Power generation in the form of electrical current is supplied by an electric generator or generators (which may in turn be fueled by fossil fuels or nuclear power), or by renewable energy systems such as solar power and windmills. En route to its final load (devices which use the electric power), the electrical power is typically received and transmitted on by one or more power converters. For example, a generator-side converter can receive alternating current (AC) power from the generator via a stator bus, and can convert the AC power to a suitable output frequency, such as the power grid frequency. The AC power is provided to the electrical grid via a line bus.

Low, medium, and high voltages are not rigidly defined, but for example the term “l(fā)ow voltage” may refer to voltages less than or equal to 1.5 kV, “medium voltage” may refer to voltages greater than 1.5 kV and less than 100 kV, and high voltage may refer to voltages at 100 kV and above.

A Power Electronics Building Block (PEBB) is a structural and functional element of a power converter. A PEBB may be any power processor that converts any input electrical power to the desired voltage, current, and frequency output. PEBBs are intended for use as part of a modular and scalable power converter architecture typically employing multiple interconnected PEBBs. Each PEBB may be used in various power applications with all its interfaces and operational settings configurable.