Why the grid still uses mechanical transformers

For decades, the physical equipment underpinning the electric grid has remained largely unchanged: passive, "dumb" devices installed as far back as the 1970s that lack much real-time control. But today, in the face of skyrocketing energy demand, a new class of technologies has emerged.

In this episode, Drew Baglino, the founder and CEO of Heron Power, returns to the show to discuss his company’s new generation of solid-state transformers, or SSTs. After a 17-year career at Tesla — where he led energy and powertrain development — Drew is now focused on replacing the grid’s aging infrastructure with these advanced power electronics.

Shayle and Drew take a deep dive into the history of the power transistor, and then explore how the SST has the potential to transform the grid into a highly optimized and intelligent machine. They cover topics like:

• The evolution of power electronics
• Why we still haven’t fixed the transformer shortage
• How Heron Power’s SSTs remove legacy transformers and switches to create a substantial uplift for project developers
• The potential to remove 70% of traditional electrical equipment at data centers by distributing power directly to the rack
• Why Drew thinks SSTs offer a "pathway toward affordability"

Resources

• Catalyst: Drew Baglino on Tesla’s master plan
• Latitude Media: Inside Heron Power’s plan to transform the grid
• Catalyst: Understanding the electric transformer shortage
• Open Circuit: The grid resilience dilemma
• Latitude Media: These Autogrid alums want to change how data centers use power

Credits: Hosted by Shayle Kann. Produced and edited by Max Savage Levenson. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is our executive editor.

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