Solid-state transformer based power architecture for micro-grids
Arete Intelligent Power builds the conversion layer for micro-grids. A solid-state transformer converts the medium-voltage service in a single stage to an 800 V DC bus, and generation, storage and loads meet on that bus rather than each passing through its own AC conversion stage. Power flows both ways. Arete's power modules ship inside the conversion systems and storage products its partners build — under their enclosure, their certification, their brand — so Arete innovates on conversion while partners build everything around it.
One layer instead of a stack of parts
Localized generation, storage, and load have to stay tightly coordinated. Unifying conversion, storage, and intelligent power management into one layer presents a predictable, controllable profile — the same grid-to-load problem solved as a single system rather than a stack of parts.
In a conventional micro-grid each source and each load brings its own conversion stage, and the coordination problem is between boxes from different vendors. On a common DC bus the coordination happens inside one layer.
Source side and load side, one busbar
The grid-to-transformer segment is the only AC in the drawing. Everything downstream — solar, storage, the data center, EV charging — meets on the 800 V DC busbar.
Storage and charging are drawn with arrows in both directions because the bus is bi-directional throughout, not because the diagram is decorative.
- Single-stage conversion from medium voltage
- Bi-directional — power flows both ways
- One platform across data center, storage-charging and micro-grid sites
- Arete supplies the conversion layer; system integration sits with our partners
What Arete builds, and what it does not
Arete builds the conversion layer that makes micro-grids work. Its power modules ship inside the chargers, conversion systems and storage products its partners build — under their enclosure, their certification, their brand.
Arete innovates on conversion. Partners build everything around it.
Common questions
What developers ask first
What does a solid-state transformer replace in a micro-grid?
It replaces the line-frequency transformer and the separate rectification stage that would otherwise sit between the medium-voltage service and a DC bus, converting from medium voltage in a single stage instead of two.
Removing the line-frequency transformer removes both its losses and its footprint.
How do solar, storage and load share one 800 VDC bus?
They connect to a common busbar on the load side of the conversion layer. Generation and storage sit on the source side, the data center and charging loads on the load side, and the only AC segment in the topology is between the grid and the transformer.
Because each source and load no longer needs its own AC conversion stage, the count of conversions between any two points on the system falls.
Can power flow both ways through the conversion layer?
Yes. The solid-state transformer is bi-directional, and so is the bus, so storage can absorb and supply and the site can both draw from and return to the grid, subject to the utility agreement.
That is why storage and charging are drawn with double-headed arrows in the micro-grid topology.
What does Arete supply into a micro-grid, and what do partners supply?
Arete supplies the conversion layer. Its power modules ship inside the conversion systems and storage products its partners build — under their enclosure, their certification, their brand.
Arete innovates on conversion. Partners build everything around it.
Which configuration fits your site?
A few questions about how power reaches your equipment. You will see the configuration we would propose, and you can request the documentation for it in the same step.