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Energy Efficiency Measurement of Wide Bandgap Based Power Supplies
This report discusses different measurement methods to evaluate the efficiency of WBG-based power supply solutions, including electrical and calorimetric methods, and compares the performance of Si-based and GaN-based chargers. The efficiency of chargers was measured at different load conditions, and it was observed that the maximum efficiency occurred generally at higher powers. GaN-based solutions outperformed Si-based chargers at higher power levels, leading to significant energy savings.
Analysis and Loss Measurements of WBG-Based Devices
Commercial power supplies with wide-bandgap (WBG) Technology promise enhanced efficiency. PECTA analyzes WBG-based devices, supported by Swiss research, focusing on measurement concepts, loss assessments, and a deep understanding of the WBG device benefits. The POWERlab at EPFL works on efficient WBG semiconductor technologies and develops accurate electrical measurement methods to provide insights into loss sources. In addition, calorimetric techniques ensure precise efficiency evaluations, vital for high-frequency comparisons.
Application Readiness Map for Wide Bandgap (WBG) Semiconductors
The Power Electronic Conversion Technology Annex (PECTA) Application Readiness Map for Wide Bandgap (WBG) Semiconductors describes their expected market position through 2035. It is based on interviews with many experts and various roadmaps and could be used as a basis for deciding which power semiconductor technology to choose. This report presents an updated version and the underlying assumptions.
Energy saving potential of WBG commercial power converters in different applications
This report explores the potential of wide bandgap (WBG) power semiconductor devices, such as SiC or GaN, in enhancing energy efficiency compared to traditional silicon-based systems. Estimating global energy savings, the research focuses on applications like data centers, photovoltaic inverters, low-voltage motor drives, electric vehicle charging stations, inverters for battery storage, and laptop chargers. Findings indicate substantial annual energy savings exceeding 120 TWh, equivalent to twice Switzerland’s electric energy demand.
Wide Band Gap Technology: Energy and environmental related Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
This report reflects the results of the work: Energy and environmental related Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of PECTA, during the period 2020 to 2023. It explores the energy and material aspects and environmental impacts of selected applications incorporating WBG technology. The report introduces the main guiding research questions, presents the methodology for the analysis, and discusses the results and key findings in three areas followed by an outlook for PECTAs next 5-year term.
EPE Paper – Reliability of WBG, results of a Pre-Scoping Study
This report contains the outcome of this first study on the reliability of Wide Band Gap (WBG) components and WBG-based applications. By summarizing key findings, it leads to an outlook and discusses the next steps.
EPE Paper – Policy measures to drive WBG for end use equipment
This paper discusses different potential policy measures to support the WBG uptake in end use equipment. The EU product regulations and specifically the potential PV inverter efficiency requirements, are discussed, serving as an example. Standardisation, in various fields (test methods for reliability and efficiency, rules for environmental footprint, modules and package architecture) and economic support for creating a WBG ecosystem are considered as well. Implementation drivers and barriers are identified through stakeholder interviews highlighting specifically
EPE Paper – Energy saving potential of WBG-commercial power converters in different applications
This work estimates the yearly global energy savings potential of different power electronics applications featuring commercial wide bandgap (WBG)-based power converters. It is the first study analyzing real products in the market. We show that WBG-based products exhibit considerable energy-saving potential in all investigated applications. Further, because of the large annual increase of installed photovoltaic (PV) and electric vehicle (EV)-charger converters, we estimate future energy-saving potential.
EPE Paper – Identifying the potential of SiC technology for PV inverters
Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices offer energy efficiency improvements over conventional silicon (Si) semiconductors. Through measurements and simulation results, this paper intends to quantify this efficiency improvement in a typical photovoltaic (PV) application. This allows designers and policy makers to better understand the benefits of SiC, enabling more informed decisions.
EPE Paper – Switching losses in power devices: From dynamic on resistance to output capacitance hysteresis
In this paper, we review some of the main methods to characterize on-state and off-state losses in wide-band-gap devices under switching conditions. In the off-state, we will discuss about losses related to charging and discharging the output capacitance in wide-band-gap devices, both in hard- and soft-switching. In the on-state, we will present an accurate measurement of dynamic on-resistance degradation, particularly in Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices. These losses are typically not described in data-sheets, but can
EPE Paper – Measurement of WBG-based power supplies
This paper discusses different measurement methods to evaluate the efficiency of WBG-based power supply solutions, including electrical measurement methods and their verification with calorimetric methods, and compares the performance of Si-based and GaN-based chargers. The efficiency of chargers was measured at different load conditions, and it was observed that the maximum efficiency occurred generally at higher powers. GaN-based solutions outperformed Si-based chargers at higher power levels, leading to significant energy savings. The paper suggests that
EPE Paper – Looking beyond energy efficiency – Environmental aspects and impacts of WBG devices and applications over their life cycle
The environmental aspects and impacts of wide bandgap (WBG) materials such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) in specific end-use electronic applications and products have not yet been fully investigated. The design trade-offs and comparison of WBG with classic Silicon based technology for the same applications, with a life cycle thinking perspective, are only starting to emerge. In general, policy-makers are unaware of the impacts and benefits of WBG semiconductor devices, and governments
EPE Paper – Application Readiness Map for WBG-Semiconductor-Based Applications
The Power Electronic Conversion Technology Annex (PECTA) application readiness map for Wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors describes their expected market position up to 2035. It is based on interviews with many experts and different roadmaps and could be used as one basis to decide which power semiconductor technology to choose. This paper presents an updated version and the underlying assumptions.
Design Aspects and Environmental Impacts of Wide Band Gap Based Semiconductor Technology in Chargers for Electronic Devices
This paper presents the outcomes of the work from PECTA Task B, Energy and environmental related Life Cycle Assessment, conducted between January 2022 and February 2023. See more information under: https://www.iea-4e.org/pecta/tasks/. This paper focuses on the effects of incorporating GaN components for energy conversion on the product design and the resulting environmental impacts along the life cycle, in particular for the case of consumer chargers for electronic devices such as notebooks and mobile phones. The
A “life cycle thinking” approach to assess differences in the energy use of SiC vs. Si power semiconductors
Wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors have the potential to provide significant improvements in energy efficiency over conventional Silicon (Si) semiconductors. While the potential for energy efficiency gains is widely researched, the relation to the energy use during manufacturing processes remains insufficiently studied. This question is especially relevant for Silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors, as there are some key differences in their production processes compared to Si. This paper aims to identify the main differences of the SiC
Switching Elements of the Thrifty Variety – GERMAN
Abstract: From cell phones to cars to data centers: The diverse electrical applications that visibly and invisibly shape our everyday life all contain switching elements made of semiconductor materials. These powerful electronic components have huge energy-savings potential that can be realized by using so-called wide-bandgap semiconductors. This is the conclusion of an expert report of the International Energy Agency’s Technology Program 4E, in which Swiss experts are significantly participating. See also the webpage of Swiss
Policy Brief – The Energy Efficiency Potential and Application Readiness of Wide Band Gap Technology
Power electronics condition and control the conversion and flow of electricity, using solid-state electrical devices to handle a wide
4E PECTA Factsheet for Term 2020 – 2024 (established phase)
PECTA is a collaboration of the governments of Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland. The PECTA factsheet shares some basic information about PECTA goals and actual running tasks. Currently (January 2021) six tasks are up and running. For more information please download our factsheet.
Wide Band Gap Technology: Efficiency Potential and Application Readiness Map
Technologies, systems and applications incorporating power electronic conversion devices and modules are defining many aspects of our modern society, making possible higher living
Huge energy-savings by WBG semiconductors
This is one of the latest articles published by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) related to wide bandgap technology, and its potential promising applications for SiC and GaN Semiconductors.
