In the face of increasing demands on industrial power electronics, semi-conductor modules with a higher efficiency, stability and power density are in demand: particularly fast-switching, low-loss semiconductors based on silicon carbide (SiC) have great potential.

Together with partners from industry, scientists from the University of Ostwestfalen-Lippe and Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig are dedicating themselves to this in the Ide3AL research project: SiC semiconductors combined with new filtering technologies are to reduce material and energy losses currently caused by conventional converters. Initially, the researchers will be developing concepts for switching operations and investigating their electromagnetic compatibility with the whole system. Only then can filter components be developed and introduced into the overall construction.

The aim of the Ide3AL research project is to reduce losses in the drive system by 15% compared with existing drive systems. Reducing power loss not only results in lower energy costs but also in a reduction of the material used for the cooling processes and in less electromagnetic interference.

The project runs from January 2018 to December 2020 and is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).