Milestone for power charging scenarios

Emerging sectors such as fast-charging infrastructure for new energy vehicles and artificial intelligence computing centers are placing higher demands on high-power electricity supply, energy conversion efficiency, and the stability and safety of power supplies. These demands have also become a key focus for the power equipment industry.

On Oct 24, TBEA, a leading Chinese manufacturer of power transmission and transformation equipment, unveiled a solid-state transformer in Tianjin whose technology and performance data were reported to be at the international forefront. The product is expected to be deployed soon at electric vehicle fast-charging stations and other applications, with potential future uses in offshore wind power and AI computing centers.

"The first-generation model in the 'Roy Sync' series has a rated power of 2.5 megawatts, supports 800-volt DC output and achieves an energy conversion efficiency of more than 98.5 percent, compared with around 96-97 percent for conventional transformers," said Chi Yongning, TBEA's chief power electronics engineer.

Unlike conventional transformers, which rely primarily on electromagnetic induction to convert voltage, solid-state transformers integrate power electronics with high-frequency transformer technology and use silicon carbide (SiC) power devices. This enables more flexible control of electricity conversion and offers a new technical solution for high-power charging applications, including those for heavy-duty EVs such as trucks.

Solid-state transformers are currently moving from research and development toward demonstration applications. Chi said that related products were being advanced for application in projects involving China Southern Power Grid and projects in Sichuan province.

Beyond fast charging for EVs, potential applications for solid-state transformers also include AI computing centers and offshore wind power. As demand for computing power grows, data center power supply architectures are receiving increasing attention, with 800V DC power supply emerging as a prominent technological development direction.

Zhang Hongzhong, a TBEA director, said the company was advancing certification for its data center products and engaging with major customers on product selection, while keeping pace with relevant industry standards.

For offshore wind turbines with capacities of 20 MW or more, solid-state transformers could also be an option for voltage step-up equipment.

Chi said China's solid-state transformer technology was approaching the level of leading players in Europe and the United States. He added that China's diverse application scenarios, advanced infrastructure and potential for large-scale production — which could lower costs — gave Chinese manufacturers in this sector a major competitive advantage.

Zhou Feiran contributed to this story.

yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn