Hydro Power Energy

Hydro Power could be an important storage resource in the future for “Smart Grid”. That’s one reason why this renewable energy also shows a high potential for future growth for the power semiconductor market *).

There are three distinct types of power station that convert the energy from moving water into electrical energy: conventional storage, pumped storage and run-of-the-river. Although not yet widely used, tidal power has potential for future electricity generation. Tides are more predictable than wind energy and solar power. Furthermore, wave power – another renewable power source in an experimental stage – could be very interesting for the deployment of semiconductors in the
future.

The electrical output of a hydroelectric power station also depends on the efficiency of the turbines and generator. Power semiconductors are a core technology for hydroelectric generation and help to satisfy the demands for efficient power generation. High-voltage direct current transmission, in which a direct current line links the alternating current grids of the generator and distributor, is the most electrically efficient way to transmit large quantities of power over the long distances involved. The high-voltage thyristors and high-voltage IGBT components provided by Infineon for use in the rectifiers and inverters required for such arrangements have become established world market leaders on account of their high efficiency and quality, and excellent reliability.

_{*) Source: ABS Energy Research, London}