On the morning of September 20, 2025, the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) organized and convened a S&T Achievement Appraisal Meeting for the project titled "Key Technologies and Multi-Scenario Application of Wide-Voltage-Range Solid-State Transformers (WVR SST)" at the BPG Technology Building.
The appraisal committee was composed of 11 authoritative industry experts, including several academicians. The panel featured representatives from leading institutions such as China Southern Power Grid (CSG), Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), Guangdong National Advanced Energy Storage Technology Innovation Research Institute, Tsinghua University (THU), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), Hunan University (HU), State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company, Guangdong Grid Company, CSG Electric Power Research Institute Company, and Xuchang Ketop Testing Research Institute Company. During the meeting, the expert panel reviewed the project's technical summary report and examined all relevant appraisal materials. Following a rigorous process of inquiries, responses, in-depth discussions, and an on-site investigation, the committee unanimously agreed and confirmed that the S&T achievements of the "Key Technologies and Multi-Scenario Application of WVR SST" project, developed by BPG's subsidiary Weiguang Energy (WG), have reached internationally leading standards. The project is deemed ready for large-scale promotion and application.
From Rigidity to Flexibility: Solid-State Transformers Leading the Transformation
As a fundamental building block of power systems, the traditional transformer operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction via an iron core and coil structure to alter voltage and transfer energy. However, as the transformation of power systems accelerates, its inherent limitations—such as a lack of flexible control, functional rigidity, and the inability to address power quality issues—are becoming increasingly evident. SST represents a transformative leap forward. By replacing the bulky iron core and windings of traditional transformers with semiconductor devices like IGBT and SiC MOSFET, SST utilizes advanced power electronics to enable flexible AC/DC conversion and bidirectional power flow. This technological breakthrough grants them revolutionary advantages in constructing the new power system under the "Dual Carbon" strategy, particularly in multi-scenario, complementary energy applications such as AC/DC distribution networks and smart microgrids, where they play a pivotal role.
From Exploration to Demonstration: A Journey to Global Leadership
However, SSTs were not perfect from the very beginning. Key challenges—including persistently high component costs, limited power ratings, thermal management and system efficiency concerns, as well as restricted voltage regulation range on the DC side—posed significant barriers that hampered their widespread commercial adoption.
In response to these challenges, WG launched a dedicated R&D initiative focusing on the "Key Technologies and Multi-Scenario Application of WVR SST." Leveraging its in-house team of seasoned experts specializing in power electronic equipment across all voltage levels, the company achieved innovative breakthroughs in critical areas. These include resolving parallel connection and voltage-sharing issues in SiC modules, developing wide-voltage modulation strategies, and advancing integrated electromagnetic-thermal design. This culminated in the successful development of a new megawatt-class WVR SST. The new design optimizes system operational efficiency while significantly reducing equipment losses and costs. This technology is well-suited for broad application across diverse scenarios such as electric vehicle charging stations, medium-voltage direct-connection energy storage/renewable energy power plants, computing/data centers, zero-carbon buildings integrating Photovoltaic Energy storage, Direct current, and Flexibility (PEDF), as well as hybrid AC/DC distribution networks and microgrids.
Leveraging this core technology, BPG and its subsidiaries have established the "BPG Technology Building Hybrid Smart Microgrid Demonstration Project." Centered at BPG's headquarters, this flagship demonstration project integrates WG's WVR SST with energy storage systems, ultra-fast and V2G charging equipment, AC/DC control and protection devices, "Transparent Power Supply" technology, and an advanced energy management system. It achieves innovative integration across the entire technology chain: from PV generation and smart storage to a DC microgrid, flexible distribution, V2G interaction, and bidirectional regulation. This project provides a new paradigm for integrated "Source-Grid-Load-Storage" and multi-energy complementary microgrid solutions. Furthermore, it offers a fresh blueprint for developing zero-carbon, digital, and intelligent commercial buildings, industrial parks, municipal infrastructure, and rail transit systems.
From Validation to Scaling: Catalyzing Rapid Growth Across the Value Chain
The successful conclusion of this appraisal meeting served as a dual validation. It not only provided authoritative recognition for the innovative key technologies and versatile application solutions of WG's WVR SST but also confirmed that the technology is now ready to transition from the demonstration phase into widespread deployment. Looking ahead, as the transformation of power systems accelerates alongside growing global demand for green and renewable energy, BPG and its subsidiaries are committed to accelerating the translation of our technological achievements into tangible solutions and extending their benefits to the wider industry. We will actively replicate and promote our integrated energy solutions across key application scenarios such as flexible AC/DC distribution network interconnections, power supply for green data centers, megawatt-level ultra-fast charging, and medium-voltage direct-connected energy storage systems. By doing so, we aim to drive high-quality growth across the entire industrial chain and lead the power equipment sector into a new era characterized by higher quality and sustainable development.
