About Power Electronics

The discipline of power electronics deals with the conversion of electrical energy from one form to another. Around the world, 12 billion kilowatts of electricity are generated every hour of every day of every year. More than 80 percent of that power is reprocessed or recycled through some form of power electronics. Due to low power conversion efficiency, many resources are wasted during this process. A desktop PC is estimated to waste the energy of seventeen 500MW power plants in one year! Power conversion systems must therefore be made more efficient. Global energy consumption could decrease by 35% with the widespread implementation of efficient, cost-effective power electronics technology.

What is Power Electronics?

A branch of engineering in which solid-state electronics are developed and applied to the transformation and management of electrical power is power electronics. It involves the study of converting electrical energy into another form. Research in this field typically consists of the conversion and control of electrical power. Still, it can also encompass research related to computing, managing, and assimilating the systems. Aiming to control energy flow as efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively as possible is an important objective. Engineers use the research done in power electronics for a variety of industrial applications. The projects range from small pieces, like battery charger components, to larger ones, like vehicles and transportation systems. Industrial lasers, refrigerators, trolleys, air conditioners, and textile mills have one thing in common: they all use lasers. The applications of electronics are typical to all of them. Electrical energy can be converted for a variety of residential and commercial purposes. Our planet is not the only one with these applications. In aerospace research and development, power electronics have been used by organizations like NASA to design and create spacecraft power systems. Electrical engineering is one of the engineering degrees that can be pursued through UCR. By taking courses in power electronics and electric power systems, you will be equipped with valuable skills and knowledge to succeed in the field graduation. In addition to powering semiconductor devices, magnetic circuits, voltage controllers, resonant pulse inverters, and industrial systems, topics discussed in this course are power supplies and switch-mode converters.

Career and Eligibility in Power Electronics

The salary prospects for most electrical engineering positions are promising for anyone entering this field. Whether you are currently in a Master's of engineering program or looking to begin a degree program en route to a new and exciting career, several options are available to an experienced engineer with a strong interest in power electronics. In today's job market, electric power systems are a rapidly growing area of power electronics. As the current workforce simultaneously ages, the need for candidates with relevant experience is increasing.