The electric power industry is at a crossroads. The emergence of smart grids and the interconnection of microgrids have given rise to innovative energy storage technologies integrated with power electronics systems. These islanded systems spring into existence thanks to accurate power management on the system level, not to mention the efficient transfer of energy through power converters. The power systems are designed to integrate distributed energy resources—especially via renewable energies such as wind and solar—to deliver sustainable, emission-free, and economic electricity. One of the earliest adopters and trendsetters in this relatively new technology segment, Power Electronics & Systems Consultancy (PESC-CH) specialises in the integration of power converters and intermediate energy storage within eco-friendly power systems.

“We implement and design specifications of power components including digital control, semiconductor devices, and magnetic components. With a focus on efficiency, availability, and power quality, we excel in the area of power electronics—catering to the systems that require effective power management. Rather than focusing on the battery, we design solutions to integrate the battery into the full system,” explains Dr. Daniel Siemaszko, founder of PESC-CH. The Swiss company also performs reliability analysis of power converters and systems, including electromagnetic compatibility, test automation of digital controllers, thermal management, and failure analysis.

From Siemaszko’s vantage point, the common hurdle encountered by organisations adopting modern energy storage systems is the power management component. PESC-CH solves the industry-wide challenge through controllers designed specifically for grid-connected power converters, multi-level converters, and optimal intermediate storage interfaces. The software provides the power converters intelligence, and the capability to determine how to control currents to maintain voltage. “Bringing control theory to practice with the implementation of optimized controllers to dedicated control platforms is our speciality. This way, the electronic power system can meet specific power requirements or energy profiles depending on a client’s needs,” says Siemaszko. The customized software, programmed inside the Digital Signal Processor (DSP), is designed to communicate with the control port by sending gate signals to power converters.