ExpectedOutcome:
Wide Bandgap-based (WBG) semiconductors such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) enable higher power density, operation voltages, temperatures, and frequencies while reducing heat dissipation of power electronics. This enables the development of more efficient and smaller size converter stations affecting considerably on grid distribution generally and logistics, cost, etc. and the deployment of the offshore energy grid. Right now SiC allows for sufficient reduction on converter footprint, but it is far too expensive, and its cost has a negative impact on overall system cost.
Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:
- Production, test and validation of WBG-based switching semiconductors such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) for HVDC – MVDC converter applications in converter stations.
- Reduced size of components and equipment for offshore / onshore applications.
- Reduced cost of WBG-based semiconductors such as Silicon Carbide (SiC).
Scope:
The activities are intended to produce, test and validate WBG-based based switching semiconductors such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) for converter station application.
The activities include, but are not limited to:
- Production of SiC based semiconductors for HVDC – MVDC converter applications (example for HVDC: MMC cells with SiC 3.3 kV and above, 1,5 kA and above with optimal increased switching frequency to reduce losses).
- Converter board design and production (power and control parts installation and soldering of all components, hardware and software testing, etc.).
- Simulation and analysis of the impact of the actual passive components used in WBG components circuitry in the above mentioned conditions; development of strategies and innovative techniques to upgrade them for better adaptation to the afore-mentioned working conditions.
- Analysis of the impact of fast transients from power electronics on other electrical components that were not originally designed to endure such stresses.
- Series modules assembly for converter application.
- Simulation and real time testing and validation of the converter with WBG-based switching semiconductor.
- Technical-economic assessment of the benefits provided by WBG-based compared to Silicon-based switching semiconductor of converters.
The consortium is expected to involve the European Commission and ECSEL JU where considered relevant.
The selected projects are expected to contribute to relevant BRIDGE[1] activities.
Specific Topic Conditions:
Activities are expected to achieve TRL 5-6 by the end of the project – see General Annex B.
Cross-cutting Priorities:
Digital AgendaArtificial Intelligence
[1]https://www.h2020-bridge.eu/
