Project description
Real-time photon emission from semiconductors for adaptive power control
Power electronic converters constitute over 70 % of global electricity use, making efficiency improvements vital for sustainability. Zero voltage switching (ZVS) can reduce losses, but reliable implementation under dynamic conditions is challenging. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PT-IPM project will use real-time photon emission from semiconductors for adaptive control in power electronics. By integrating photonics and control theory, it will establish a framework to reduce switching losses and enhance efficiency in compact converters for data centres and renewable energy applications. The project will introduce electroluminescence for ZVS control and develop two control approaches, integrating photon emission into models to improve stability and optimisation.
Objective
This project, Photon-Triggered Intelligent Power Module and Multi-Mode Control for High-Efficiency Power Conversion (PT-IPM), introduces a novel approach that uses real-time photon emission from semiconductors as a feedback signal for adaptive control. By integrating photonics, power electronics, control theory, and system-oriented modelling, it establishes for the first time a complete framework of optical integration from device to packaging and control. This systematic solution reduces switching losses, enhances efficiency, and enables reliable high-frequency operation, offering compact and robust converters for applications such as data centres and renewable integration. It also provides a timely pathway toward smarter and more sustainable energy conversion, aligned with the European Green Deal and REPowerEU objectives.
Power electronic converters handle over 70% of global electricity, making efficiency improvements critical to sustainable energy goals. Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) offers a theoretical pathway to reduce losses, but its reliable implementation under dynamic conditions remains a major challenge. To address this, the project focuses on three levels: packaging, control, and modelling.
This project introduces electroluminescence emitted during switching transitions in semiconductors as a physical feedback signal for adaptive and reliable ZVS control. Two complementary control approaches in power electronics will be developed: (i) adaptive pulse-width/dead-time adjustment under fixed-frequency, and (ii) photon-triggered variable-frequency modulation. Device-level photon emission will also be integrated into converter- and system-level discrete-time models, providing a unified physics-based framework for stability assessment and parameter optimization.
The fellowship will support the researcher in developing academic independence and supervisory skills, while also opening opportunities for entrepreneurship in intelligent power modules.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy
- social sciences economics and business business and management entrepreneurship
- social sciences economics and business economics sustainable economy
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels energy conversion
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.