Underpinning Power Electronics 2012: Components Theme

Transformative changes in Power Electronic Systems are anticipated over the next 10-20 years following the successful commercialisation of wide-bandgap power semiconductors devices. The enhancements in operating temperature, switching speed and losses offered by these devices will impact all sectors of low carbon electrical energy usage, leading to a new generation of robust, compact, highly efficient and intelligent power conversion solutions. The vision of the Virtual Centre in Power Electronics is to place the UK in a world leading position in providing the radical innovation needed to engineer the capabilities offered by new power semiconductor devices in high performance energy conversion exemplars. This will be accomplished through underpinning research and innovation into: the exploitation of new devices, component level integration, power conversion circuits and electro-mechanical energy conversion systems within the context of benchmarking and demonstrating new capabilities beyond the current state of art.

This proposal addresses one of the central themes of the Centre in Power Electronics: Component Integration underpinning research. The program integrates advancements in power module and assembly, passive component and device driver and sensing technologies, and research concerned with improved design tools and methods, structural and functional integration and operational management and control. The ambition is to realise the full potential of advanced power semiconductor devices (for example high efficiency, ultra-fast switching and high operating temperatures) in practical power conversion circuits by engineering them with a reliable switch unit.

The overall objective is to develop and demonstrate new techniques and novel technologies that contribute to addressing the underpinning challenges faced in power electronic energy management system developments, namely: Increased Efficiency; Increased Power Density; Increased Robustness; Lower EMI; Modularity in Design; Higher levels of Integration and Lower Life Cycle Costs. If successful the research will accelerate the widespread introduction of low carbon energy generation and usage, for example in making electric/hybrid vehicles more affordable, in advancing reliable 'more electric' aircraft systems, in realising a more robust 'smart' electrical grid infrastructure and in encouraging a greater adoption of renewable energy sources.

The research will have direct relevance and benefit to companies in a range of technical service and manufacturing sectors, and these are areas where the UK retains a significant presence and capability to exploit new technologies. These include designers and manufacturers of power devices, power module assemblies, passive components, thermal management solutions, and designers and manufacturers of complete converter systems. In addition, the advances in component technologies and functionality that are enabled by the research will be of benefit to system integrators, providing them with the capability to realise new system concepts such as high voltage DC power transmission networks, more effective and efficient power generation from renewable sources, advanced forms of electric vehicle, or electrical systems that reduce the fuel burn of aircraft and ships. Furthermore, the advances in reliable power switch modules and manufacturing techniques will spill over into the power electronics and motor drives sector more generally, bringing advances in performance and reductions in manufacturing costs. The consequent potential for growth in this high value industry sector are large, leading to increased employment opportunities for highly skilled engineers. The training provided to early career researchers in this programme will help to address skills shortages. Society will benefit from the increased, and more efficient, use of renewable energy sources and the availability and widespread use of low-carbon forms of transport. It is expected that some of these benefits will start to feed into the industrial base within two years of the programme start, with increasing levels of uptake beyond that date.

Impact will be primarily managed as an activity of the Hub of the Centre for Power Electronics, through the Executive Management Team and the affiliated Industry Advisory Group, and will occur via four routes:

1. Establish the Centre brand as a natural point of contact for power electronics expertise through active dissemination; build the public image of power electronics/engineering and its importance to society.
2. Promote the transfer of knowledge and IP gained from the research to the UK industrial community and stimulate new business activity.
3. Contribute to the development of relevant policy through engagement with national government, national and international funding bodies and professional societies.
4. Build collaborative links with leading academic groups and other relevant industrial organisations around the world.