Solid state transformers course – e-lesson #1: Current scenario

Hosted by: Mario Salano / Basic level
JANUARY 2025
We are excited to announce the launch of our new course on Solid-State Transformers (SST), led by expert Mario Salano. With extensive experience in transformer design and power electronics, Mario brings invaluable insights into this revolutionary technology shaping the future of energy distribution.
The first lesson of the new course titled "Current scenario" is scheduled for January 8th. The topics of the first lesson are:
- Renewable energies are some of the fixed points to improve in order to reduce the greenhouse effect and base the electric network on a clean source.
- Renewable sources naturally regenerate over time and do not run out. The distribution system in a smart grid facilitates a two-way flow between customers and users so that users are both producers and users (prosumers) of electricity.
- An important role is played by storage devices by storing the excess of energy produced and release to the network when needed.
Distributed generation is a set of small scale (10 – 150 MW) generation units connected to medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) distribution network in order to produce electricity close to the end users.
Course Overview
This course delves into the evolution of distribution transformers and how Solid-State Transformers (SST) are transforming electrical grids. It focuses on integrating distributed energy sources, improving grid efficiency, and managing bidirectional power flow. The course covers the technicalities of SST, their role in smart grids, and their ability to enhance power quality.
What Makes This Course Unique
The course provides a comprehensive look at how SSTs are replacing traditional transformers in modern grids. It explores their impact on power flow, grid management, and energy storage solutions, making it an essential resource for professionals in power electronics and renewable energy.
Course Details
The course is structured across three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Master’s Level, with lessons that cover everything from the role of distributed energy to the practical challenges of implementing SST in smart grids.
Key topics include:
- Distributed energy sources and their integration with classic grids
- The function and benefits of SST in managing power flow and mitigating disturbances
- The evolution of power distribution and smart grids
- Advanced features of SST in reducing system size and improving efficiency
Who Should Take This Course
This course is ideal for:
- Students and technicians interested in renewable energy and smart grid technologies
- Power electronics specialists looking to understand the potential of SST
- Transformer manufacturers and industry professionals
- Join us to explore how SST is at the heart of the next generation of electrical distribution.
About the author

Mario Salano
Mr. Salano’s expertise in the field of power transformers comes from a well established engineering skills acquired in “Salano transformers”, renowned Italian company that manufactured line-frequency power transformers for Italian power utilities. While inheriting the company from his father, Sig. Mario Salano used his vast engineering skills and he managed to maintain the company in rough period of seventies, adding new technologies and novel approaches to traditional values and products of “Salano transformers”.
His current interests include high-efficiency distribution transformers, the impact of nonlinear loads on power transformers, novel materials for transformer cores and also high-frequency power transformers for the use in conjunction with power electronics topologies.