The Grid Gets a New Power Player: Hyosung Builds a 22.9 kV Solid State Transformer

The rise of AI has brought some very unique stress to the American power grid. Data centers require lots of energy that is very reliable. Hyosung Heavy Industries thinks that solid state transformers may be one solution to this problem.

A Transformer Designed for a More Demanding Grid

Hyosung has developed a 22.9 kV solid state transformer with a capacity of 1.05 MVA. In contrast to traditional transformers, the technology utilizes power semiconductors for active regulation of voltage and currents.

Such an approach would give grid companies more freedom in controlling the flow of electricity through the power grid. In addition, it may help to monitor power quality and respond quickly to fluctuations in demand.

The company produced its first 1.05 MVA SST back in 2022. Today Hyosung wants to make this technology closer to practical application.

Why Data Centers Could Change the Grid

Large data centers can consume enormous amounts of electricity in relatively small areas. As AI infrastructure expands, access to power is becoming one of the biggest challenges for developers.

Hyosung is developing a product that enables direct connection of the equipment to the medium voltage distribution network. Additionally, the manufacturer has increased its production capacities in the USA, and now it manufactures transformers and other electric network devices there.

On the other hand, solid-state transformers have several important engineering problems. High voltage implies complex solutions regarding cooling, isolation, switching, and control. It also needs to demonstrate its efficiency compared to traditional equipment.

Our Take

We believe that this marks a turning point. The next choke point for AI could be energy and not computing.

With commercial success of such innovations as SSTs, utilities may have more flexibility in providing energy as demand rises. Ultimately, this would mean better grids for all of us, and faster infrastructure building.

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