Power Electronics is an important technology domain that has permeated into many aspects of modern life. It has become an essential technology for e-mobility, communication, renewable energy, medical, aerospace and industrial production. Not only hybrid/electrical cars, but also devices such as mobile phones and home appliances use power electronics systems for the conversion of electrical power from one form to another and control its energy level. Current challenges regarding climate change and energy security highlight the importance of efficiency since electrical power is lost as heat during this conversion and conditioning. Hence developments in this technology domain directly affect society and the quality of life. The International Energy Agency emphasizes that without early action on efficiency, the energy transition to net zero emissions will be more expensive and much more difficult to achieve (www.iea.org).
Power electronics systems use semiconductor materials which have a direct influence on the efficiency of the system. Traditionally, Silicon (Si) is used for this purpose, the semiconductor material in every conventional electronic device. Despite substantial progress with electronic components based on this material, further breakthroughs to provide a technological response for future demands is difficult to achieve.
At this point, new materials with better properties come into play, the so-called “wide bandgap” materials. Silicon Carbide (SiC) is one of them with properties that allow, among others, operation at higher temperatures and higher electrical potential leading to smaller components and higher power conversion efficiency. Depending on the application, 6-30% gain in efficiency is expected by using SiC instead of Si.
It is the aim of TRANSFORM to establish a strong and a complete value chain for SiC based power electronics in Europe. This will enable a powerful European position and sovereignty in this field through advanced and highly competitive SiC technology. It encompasses research and development activities along the complete supply chain, from SiC substrates to power electronics systems, to provide European market players with a reliable source of SiC components and systems based on an entirely European value chain. The consortium comprises of 34 partners from 7 EU states including industry, institutes and universities.
