Imagine the electrical 'translators' that turn raw energy from wind turbines or solar panels into power your home can use. Current versions are bulky and waste energy, but this project uses a special material called Silicon Carbide to make them much smaller and more efficient. It's like replacing a heavy, old radiator with a compact, high-performance cooling system that lasts decades longer.
Current silicon-based power converters are too large, expensive, and inefficient for the rapid scaling of offshore wind and solar grids. They suffer from shorter lifespans and higher carbon footprints during manufacturing.
A high-efficiency SiC-based power module and a corresponding gate driver. They also developed a digital twin and a physical live-size power stack for testing.
If you are a farm operator dealing with high equipment footprints and energy loss — this project developed SiC-based power modules that are 15% smaller and 30% cheaper than silicon versions. This allows for more efficient power conversion in onshore and offshore sites.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with high production costs and short component lifespans — this project developed a new gate driver that reduces cost and size by 30%. The resulting modules are designed for a lifetime of 30+ years.
If you are an integrator dealing with thermal management and bulky converters — this project developed an integrated modular converter with a digital twin for real-condition monitoring. This reduces resource consumption by 30% and CO2 emissions by 50%.
The project aims for a 30% cost reduction compared to traditional silicon converters. Additionally, the specific gate driver development has already achieved a 30% reduction in cost and size.
The project is currently in the testing phase, integrating hardware into a live-size power stack and using physical test benches. Based on available project data, it is moving toward market readiness by validating modular converters.
Based on available project data, the project has developed specific hardware artifacts including SmartSiC modules and high-k gate oxides, though specific licensing terms are not listed.
It uses an IoT architecture and a self-healing energy management system (EMS) to integrate renewables into the grid. It specifically targets MMC and SST converter topologies.
The project runs from October 2022 to September 2026, with key deliverables and testing phases ongoing through 2025.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven, with 9 industrial partners representing 69% of the group. This high ratio, combined with 13 partners across 7 European countries, suggests a strong focus on commercial viability and supply chain integration rather than pure academic research.
Contact Vrije Universiteit Brussel for technical specifications on SiC power modules.
Contact us to connect with the SiC4GRID industrial partners for early adoption of SiC converters.
