1. Definition and System Objectives

Power electronics involves the process of controlling and converting the flow of current and voltage to a form suitable for a user’s load. It is fundamentally concerned with the conversion of electrical energy from one form to another.

The ideal power electronic system is designed to achieve the following objectives:

• Maximum Efficiency: Minimizing power loss during conversion.
• Maximum Reliability: Ensuring consistent and failure-free operation.
• Maximum Availability: Maintaining operational readiness.
• Minimum Cost: Optimizing for economic viability.
• Least Weight & Small Size: Designing compact and lightweight systems.

1. Core Applications

The applications of power electronics are broadly classified into two categories:

1. Static Applications: These systems utilize moving or rotating mechanical parts and include processes like welding, heating, cooling, electro-plating, and the provision of DC power.
2. Drive Applications: These applications involve rotating parts, primarily motors. Common examples include compressors, pumps, conveyer belts, and air conditioning systems, where power electronics control elements like compressors for efficiency.