Underpinning Power Electronics switch optimisation Theme

Silicon carbide (SiC) N-channel IGBTs have the potential to enable new and highly efficient ultrahigh voltage (10 kV+) applications such as the Smart Grid and HVDC, enabling a low carbon society. However, to date, only four research groups have reported on their successful development, due to the considerable challenge associated with their fabrication. Exploiting a consortium made up of experts from the fields of SiC materials, simulation and fabrication, and building on a recent history of SiC MOSFET, Si IGBT and SiC materials research, the aim of the Switch Optimisation theme of Underpinning Power Electronics is to be amongst the first groups in Europe and the world to develop these devices, and to push the boundaries of what has been achieved in this fledgling field to date. Once a quality benchmarked ~15 kV SiC IGBT process is developed as the first milestone in this project, the process will be modified to explore areas not to-date explored, including the development of lower voltage (5-10 kV) SiC IGBTs benchmarked to SiC MOSFETs, trench SiC IGBTs, and novel topologies such as hybrid SiC MOSFET-IGBTs. The consortium will all work together towards these ambitious goals, with the work packages split by expertise (materials development, simulation, fabrication and testing) to cut across each of the objectives.

The improvement of the power electronics devices can impact on multiple sectors. Particular emphasis has been in the energy grid which is currently undergoing a shift to more mixed and variable power supply which will require more effective power devices capable of withstanding the more extreme conditions. The UK itself is currently seeing increased power supply from renewable energy highlighting the importance of power management capable of withstanding surges due to the variable nature of this electricity source. The high voltage IGBTs that will be developed will have their biggest impact in this sector benefitting from the use of being developed in SiC to cope with the extreme conditions. Traction is another major application set to benefit from these devices. Increasing electrification across this sector now and into the future guarantees the economic impact of developing these new power devices. We will work with our existing industrial collaborators as well as establishing new collaborations through the Centre to ensure we adapt the technology developed to the changing needs of the companies in this sector.
The project benefits hugely from being within the ESPRC Centre for Power Electronics. The network of industrialists and academics already affiliated with the Centre is extensive and diverse, and this project has the advantage of having regular direct access to this vast community, and will therefore be integral to achieving impact from this project. The annual conference, researcher network events and industrial events are all established events and platforms on which we can reach a wide audience to disseminate our findings. A workshop specifically dedicated to this theme will be organised with the full support of the Centre towards the end of the project. This will promote the work being carried out in this area by this consortium, and by those across Europe working in this area. The Centre's Marketing and Communications Officer will help us reach a much wider audience than possible alone, publicising findings, coordinating press releases, maximising social media impact and helping to maximise web traffic. The Centre also has funds available for dissemination activities that fall outside of these extensive possibilities and hence no further dissemination funds have been requested. The group intends to suggest using this to participate in outreach activities for the younger generation at shows such as New Scientist Live and the Cheltenham Science Festival.
The Centre has strong established links with key industrial partners and, as well as accessing this community through the above dissemination events, they will play a direct role in monitoring and steering the project as part of the Centre's Steering and Advisory Group (STAG) who perform an annual review.