Konvertereita

Konvertereita is a term used in Finnish engineering discourse to describe modular, scalable power converter units designed to interface with electrical grids and energy systems. A konvertereita system typically consists of multiple standardised converter modules that connect to a common DC link and share control hardware, allowing capacities to be increased by adding modules. The concept emphasizes interchangeability, redundancy, and ease of maintenance.

Architecture and operation: Each module includes a bidirectional power converter (often using IGBTs or newer wide-bandgap devices), a local control microprocessor, and thermal management. Modules communicate over a fieldbus or Ethernet to coordinate PWM, fault isolation, and protection. The DC link provides a stable bus for energy transfer; converters can operate as rectifiers, inverters, or bidirectional feeders, enabling AC-DC, DC-AC, and DC-DC conversion.

Applications: Konvertereita are used in renewable integration, microgrids, data centers, industrial power supplies, and charging infrastructure. They enable rapid ramping, fault containment, and modular expansion. In distribution grids they support grid-forming or grid-support functions and can integrate energy storage.

History and context: The approach emerged in the 2010s as power-electronics costs fell and control algorithms matured, with emphasis on standard interfaces and serviceability. While similar concepts exist worldwide, the Finnish term 'konvertereita' reflects a regional framing of modular, scalable converters. Safety and interoperability rely on general standards for power electronics and grid connection, with ongoing development in regions that adopt modular converter architectures.