DC electric power distribution systems have higher efficiency, better current carrying capacity and faster response when compared to conventional AC systems. They also provide a more natural interface with many types of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, there are fewer issues with reactive power flow, power quality and frequency regulation, resulting in a notably less complex control system. All these facts lead to increased applications of DC systems in modern power systems. Still, design and operation of these systems imposes a number of specific challenges, mostly related to lack of mature protection technology and operational experience, as well as very early development stage of standards regarding DC based power infrastructure.

Increased efficiency in power electronic converters of all types and ratings is of considerable interest, not only from the viewpoint of improved converter thermal management but also from an environmental perspective. This important book describes the advantages and challenges, underlying the theory, and applications of high-efficiency AC-DC converters that are built into circuits, an increasingly popular design approach in power electronics.

BS 7671 has always been about capacity, safety and control of electrical installations. Could energy efficiency negate that?

Electrical machines and drives, and their associated power electronics, are a key part of an industrialized society. Reliability is a major challenge in systems design, operation, and maintenance of these technologies. Unreliable systems drive up costs, so diagnostics and fault tolerance become important to help maintain the system and estimate its operational lifetime.

Digital protection is based on the use of computers in power line relaying. Since the late 1960s, digital devices and techniques have been applied to almost all new protection schemes. Today the technology is moving towards standardised hardware platforms; at the software level, however, there remains a huge variety in approaches and protection algorithms.

Throughout the world there is concern over the impact of energy use on the environment (particularly CO₂ emissions) and also over the security of fossil fuel supplies. Consequently, governments and energy planners are actively encouraging alternative and cleaner forms of energy production such as renewables (e.g. wind, solar, biomass) and combined heat and power (CHP).

Switchgear plays a fundamental role within the power supply industry. It is required to isolate faulty equipment, divide large networks into sections for repair purposes and reconfigure networks in order to restore power supplies and control other equipment.

Distribution systems analysis employs a set of techniques that allow engineers to simulate, analyse, and optimise power distribution systems. Combined with automation, these techniques underpin the emerging concept of the 'smart grid', a digitally-enabled electrical supply grid that can monitor and respond to the behaviour of all its components in real time.

Distribution systems analysis employs a set of techniques to simulate, analyse, and optimise power distribution systems. Combined with automation, these techniques underpin the concept of the smart grid. In recent years, distribution systems have been facing growing challenges, due to increasing demand as well as the rising shares of distributed and volatile renewable energy sources.