Guiding you in the right direction on the power converter path

Power converters are a vital part of the modern ‘smart’ world. Improvements in renewable energy and the creation of smart power grids, smart homes, smart mobility and smart gadgets are all reliant on power converters.

The modern streamlined ‘smart’ lifestyles we live are built upon innovations taking place in the design and production of compact and efficient inverters, frequency converters, battery chargers, etc. The ability to create small and efficient power converters has allowed us to utilise the technologies that have defined the first decades of the 21st Century.  

To make this technology work, power must be converted in order to make sure the product works safely and efficiently. Developers are under pressure, therefore, to create safe, reliable, efficient, and compact power converters capable of handling a wide range of input and output parameters.

In the consumer sector, demand has largely been driven by the emergence of smart technologies – our buildings and electrical equipment are able to communicate to us and each other via the IoT (Internet of Things). It allows data and adjustment options to be transmitted automatically, creating a more efficient and healthy lifestyle.

Smart IoT compatible power converters have been developed using a variety of technologies, including digital signal processing (DSP), and these have been integral to the success of several current and emerging technologies, including:

• Private solar/wind power generation and transfer of solar/wind energy to private consumers including: houses, apartments, company properties or even local public grids
• EVs (Electric Vehicles); frequency converters and inverters are key components in all types of EVs
• EV charging solutions (including wireless EV chargers)
• Local energy storage; apartments and houses with their own energy storage (battery) integrated in the apartment/property. A cost-effective alternative to transferring energy over long distances
• Heating pumps that transfer geothermal heat into the home

The power converter market used to be dominated by a small number of large companies but increased demand has led to the emergence of various smaller manufacturers, each offering a large variety of products with various operational parameters.

With power converters an integral part of so much of our modern life, manufacturers need to be sure they are using the verified power converter for their product. Failure to do so may cause the product to fail or run inefficiently, conditions which will ultimately lead to an expensive product recall.

SGS helps companies avoid making costly mistakes associated with electrical and electronic equipment. With a global network of electrical experts, they provide a one-stop solution for all power converter testing, inspection and certification services. With extensive experience with industrial scale projects, home and property automations, and with small consumer products and/or limited series specialised components, SGS are here to help.

The company has testing centres for battery, solar inverters, wind generator and power electronics conveniently located around the globe, close to the major manufacturing hubs and the largest EV and consumer product markets.