Vol.82

By far one of the biggest issues recently is energy security. It is not an exaggeration to say that the 21st century has entered the battlefield of renewable and eco-friendly energy. Even on this battlefield, there are people who are working hard towards sustainable development and solving energy problems. Let's hear the story of Destin Power's Kim Young-guk, who develops power conversion systems.

Hello, please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello, my name is Kim Young-guk, I work at Destin Power Co., Ltd. Destin Power is a company that develops power conversion systems in a platform mode and supplies them according to the characteristics of the various distributed power generation sources. Destin Power develops and produces fuel cell inverters, PCSs (power conversion systems) for ESSs (energy storage systems), microgrid inverters, industrial UPSs (uninterruptible power supply systems), and electric vehicle chargers based on inverting and converting technology. Basically, we are a company specializing in power conversion in the electronics field.

What kind of work are you in charge of at Destin Power?

The way to develop a power conversion system in a platform mode is to develop it by dividing it into DC power conversion modules, AC power conversion modules, and core common modules. I am participating in the development of core common modules.

What is Destin Power's main technology and how is it being used?

Destin Power's main technology is the power conversion system. The power conversion system is an essential system used throughout the production, supply, storage, and use of electricity, and its importance is highlighted in the renewable energy industry, where power conversion efficiency is directly linked to economic value. The fuel cell inverter converts the DC electricity generated by the fuel cell into AC electricity to be delivered to the power system, and the PCS for ESS converts electricity generated by the power system from DC to AC and AC to DC to charge or discharge the battery. In addition, the microgrid inverter is a key system for supplying electricity by creating an independent power system by linking renewable energy and batteries to an island or other locations without a power grid.

How did you become interested in the field of power conversion systems?

I majored in electrical engineering, and also I had a technical foundation through solar inverters when new renewable energy became a megatrend and as ESS systems began to spread explosively in Korea, I have tried to advance technology through a PCS for battery charging and discharging. We are now aiming to expand technology through fuel cell inverters and EV (electric vehicle) charging systems. In other words, the reason for interest is confidence in the business future of the power conversion system and the technology that can be applied to a variety of products.

Could you tell us one of your company’s strong points?

We are a company that can contribute to the prosperity of mankind by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and it is possible to maximize individual capabilities through the ability-first principle. We have a horizontal organizational culture, so anyone can express a variety of opinions and ideas.

Are there any memorable episodes that you have from your work?

The most memorable moment was when we installed and commissioned a microgrid system on a developing country’s small island that had no power supply system. The island was in an environment where electricity could only be used for about two hours in the evening with a diesel motor because electricity was not connected from the mainland. But with our power converter, electricity was supplied 24 hours a day by using solar power and a battery system. When the system was established and completed, I was able to feel pride in my work from the cheers of the natives and the laughter of the children.

What kind of skill does an individual need to join Destin Power?

As a leading power conversion system company, our company values the courage to not be afraid of new challenges, and I think I was hired because I appealed to them in this point in the interview. Please keep this in mind if you are applying for work.

What are your future goals?

PCS technology is not the only factor in Destin Power's successful transition in the power conversion system market. This was possible because the digital twin concept, which was applied based on experience throughout the production site, played an important role. Based on the development of these power conversion systems and the experience of various installation site operation services, I hope we can switch to becoming an energy management system company.

Any messages to our ICT Industry Hot Clips readers?

Destin Power is a company that deals with both development and production of power conversion systems, and already possesses ways to adapt its know-how and technology for production and development, such as smart factories. We will strive to become a better company in energy management technology in the future.