Any advice for a power electronics newbie?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around advice for a graduate student entering the field of power electronics, particularly in relation to internships and early career development. Participants share insights on safety regulations, design considerations, and specific areas of focus within power electronics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on what to focus on as they begin their career in power electronics, specifically looking for ways to enhance their learning during an upcoming internship.
  • Another participant inquires about the specific area of power engineering the original poster is involved in, distinguishing between power supply design and power grid distribution.
  • The original poster clarifies their focus on power electronics, mentioning experience with multilevel inverters and converters for microgrid systems, while excluding power systems related to grid distribution.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of understanding safety regulations related to power electronics, particularly those connecting to AC mains and high voltage batteries, and mentions specific standards like EN 60950.
  • The original poster acknowledges their experience with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control and indicates a need to further explore Power Factor Correction (PFC) based on their coursework.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of safety regulations in power electronics design, but there is no consensus on specific learning paths or areas of focus for the original poster's internship experience.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various aspects of power electronics and safety standards, but the discussion does not resolve the depth of knowledge required in areas like PFC or the specifics of safety regulations applicable to different designs.

Who May Find This Useful

Graduate students and newcomers to power electronics, particularly those preparing for internships or early career roles in the field.

GottaKnow
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I realize there are a lot of people on this forums in a related field of study.

Was wondering if there was something you wish you would have done at/from the start of your career?
I am graduate student in the field and am about to start an internship soon. Was wondering if there was anything I could do to improve my learning.

Thanks in advance
 
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GottaKnow said:
I realize there are a lot of people on this forums in a related field of study.

Was wondering if there was something you wish you would have done at/from the start of your career?
I am graduate student in the field and am about to start an internship soon. Was wondering if there was anything I could do to improve my learning.

Thanks in advance
What kind of Power Engineering? Designing power supplies and power electronics, or working with AC Mains power distribution through the Power Grid?
 
Hello

Thank you for your response and interest.
My projects have included both power supply design and converter design. Lately I have been working on multilevel inverters and converters related to microgrid systems (MPPT Controlled Boost, PWM/resonant inverters).

(I have been exploring power management and automotives as well). So basically just power electronics and NOT what falls under power systems/distribution through power grid/protection
 
That's great that you are starting an internship soon -- that should give you good experience.

I would suggest learning more about the safety regulations involved in power electronics that connect to AC Mains power and also to high voltage batteries (like Electric Vehicles). As you work with power electronics designs, many aspects of the designs are affected by safety regulations to keep users of the systems as safe as possible. The spacing ("creepage and clearance") of conductors carrying AC Mains or other high voltages need to be followed, and the isolation of low-voltage output circuits from the AC Mains involves a number of tricks and techniques. Hopefully you can learn some of that information at your internship. Some of the safety regulations involved are found under the specification EN 60950. Other safety standards will likely also apply to your work, depending on the type of system you are designing...

http://ulstandards.ul.com/standard/?id=60950-1_1

Beyond that, have you learned much about Power Factor Correction yet? It does sound like you've worked with Maximum Power Point converters already, right?
 
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Yes, sir. I have both read up on and implemented MPPT control in my projects. With regards to PFC, I have had it as part of my coursework, but I would guess it was not too detailed.

Will definitely find time to look up the regulations that you mentioned. Thanks a lot for your time.
 
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