Power conversion plays a key role when interfacing renewable energy to the power systems. Presently, their influence is quantified only by their efficiency. However, this doesn’t give a complete picture. Other parameters such as embodied energy, energy payback and ecological footprint better quantify the added value of power electronics to the system. Analogous parameters, such as economic payback, are already applied in other fields which makes them easier to understand to policy makers. During this presentation the concept of embodied energy, energy payback and ecological footprint will be explained and how they can help with economic, policy and public acceptance of power electronics.
Aniel Shri, TU Delft