Introduction [to "Vehicle electrification in modern power grids: innovative perspectives on power electronics technologies and control challenges"]

Abstract

This book chapter seeks to present a concise introduction and contextualization affecting the topics correlated to the disruptive perspectives of vehicle electrification in modern power grids, welcoming innovative power electronics technologies, and control challenges in support of the power grid interface. As demonstrated in this book chapter, the main objective is to combine in a single book, power electronics technologies and control strategies for vehicle electrification in modern power grids in a future viewpoint, indicating that vehicle electrification is facing challenges, but it is also of added value for the power grid. In terms of power electronics technologies covered aspects such as power charging and traction systems; the interface of the vehicle electrification with renewables and energy storage systems; vehicle electrification operating as power quality conditioners for the power grid; vehicle electrification framed with solid-state transformers and within AC, DC, and hybrid power grids; vehicle electrification in smart homes, smart cities, and smart grids; advanced topologies of power electronics converters. To deal with the increasing penetration of vehicle electrification, control strategies are also retained: for the power electronics converters; for interfacing renewable energy sources and energy storage systems as support of electric mobility; for operation modes, e.g., innovative modes in addition of vehicle-to-grid; for ensuring power quality and reliability in smart grids; for demand response strategies; and forecasting strategies.