The main activities and achievements of the 1st project year are summarized per work-package (WP) hereunder.
WP1 – Use case definition & requirements
- Definition of the two FastLane use case domains “e-Mobility with Automotive Drivetrain” (UCD1) and “Energy Applications” (UCD2)”
- Identification of top-level requirements and specification of the detailed requirements for components/system, modules, devices and materials for the design and development subsequent work in WP2, 3, 4 and 5
WP2 – SiC material and pilot line
- Several developments of SiC materials, substrates and wafers as well as improvements of the corresponding processes
- Delivery Gen I and Gen II test samples were delivered to the device manufacturers in WP3
WP3 – Devices for SiC applications
- Alignment of the intended features and characteristics of the SiC MOSFETs
- Progresses regarding the development and integration of the new tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor
- Initial production of Trench-MOSFETs on off-the-shelf wafers and delivery to the WP4/WP5 partners to build-up of their power modules and components; work on new substrates started.
- Device topology concepts and simulations as well as concepts and designs for the fabrication of the new integrated SiC circuit breaker device.
- Planning of experiments and conduction of first experiments, along with set-up of simulations and test tools.
WP4 – Efficient packaging and modules
- Development of new / adaptations of existing manufacturing equipment and processes.
- Specification, development and optimization of the PM and circuit breaker designs, e.g. regarding the new functionality, along with implementation of test and measurement equipment.
- First variants of an automotive power module designed and manufactured, based on the particular developments of the project partners.
WP5 – Components and systems
- Specification of the requirements for the components and systems of the drivetrain and electrolyser applications, based on the outcome of WP1.
- Various investigations and implementation of preparatory measures, e.g. inverter topologies, hardware concept and design for the automotive powertrain, set-up of simulation models, approaches for sensing, data fusion, digital twins, driver circuits, control etc.
- The main focus of the activities in WP5 is planned for 2nd and 3rd period.
WP6 – Demonstration and validation
- According to the plan, the WP6 activities dedicated to demonstration have not started yet.
- Lead by CEA, the common methodology and planning of project-wide Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was agreed between the partners of WP6 and WP2..5 followed by a first exchange of data.
- For the Use Case Demonstrators, a demonstration plan was prepared for the later integration and validation activities.
WP7 ‘Exploitation and dissemination’ and WP8 ‘Project Management’ and are transversal WPs organizing the work inside the project and establishing suitable communication channels to disseminate the results. All management processes required were established at the beginning of the project and executed during the reporting period.
