The European and global automotive industry currently faces the challenge of reducing CO2 emissions, since improving air quality and avoiding global warming is high priority on the agendas not only in Europe, but also in the rest of the world. With a share of approximately 23%, the transportation system in Europe contributes significantly to the total greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. By a tremendous increase of affordable and efficient electric and hybrid vehicles, Europe can pave the way for a decarbonized transport system. Nevertheless, this is only one of many important measures that are needed to fight global warming.
HiPERFORM will directly address this topic by investigating the industrial applicability of high-performance semiconductors with wide-band gap materials in the field of Smart Mobility. For this purpose, a holistic approach is selected including the entire supply chain - from the manufacturer of semiconductors as well as power modules through suppliers of development methods and tools to the system and ultimately the vehicle manufacturers. The integration of academic partners with a high level of competence in these domains completes this approach. On the other hand, specific requirements for power electronics are addressed in specific application areas, which include both power inverters in the vehicle, electrical charging modules inside and outside the vehicle, as well as the associated development and test systems.
Therefore the project objectives for the HiPERFORM project can be summarized as following:
- Investigation on manufacturing processes and integration methods for GaN and SiC power switches for cost reduction and highest reliability
- Architectures and controllers which support highest frequencies in the e-powertrain of up to 50kHz to enable more efficient powertrains and up to 500kHz for usage in test systems
- Inverters, chargers and test systems for electric drivetrains with higher efficiency up to 98%, respectively 50% less spatial volume, less weight and less costs than today.
The expected project results will enable the European manufactures of WBG-based electric vehicle components, charging devices, and test systems to deliver excellent technologies for the automotive industry, to develop next generation affordable green vehicles. Affordable electric and hybrid vehicles will pave the way for the envisioned green transportation system. All citizens will directly benefit from longer driving ranges, less energy consumption, and lower prices due to the advanced technologies in next generation electric vehicles. Moreover, the European electronic components industry and system suppliers will tremendously profit from the expected results in this research project. The outcome will also safeguard current jobs as well as build the base for further growth in all sectors.
