Power electronics is an essential key technology for the use of renewable energies, the control of power flow in grids, mobility and the efficiency of energy conversion. Renewable energy sources are growing to meet increasing demand and for reasons of sustainability. Despite the increase in demand, awareness of sustainability has led to greater efficiency and even energy savings. Power electronics as a fundamental component of electrical energy conversion makes a significant contribution to these developments.
Power electronics converts electrical energy forms by permanent switching of semiconductors. Semiconductor switches as the basic power electronics elements have been increasing switching speeds further and further to reduce losses. For perspective, the new SiC and GaN semiconductors allow extreme switching frequencies up to the MHz range @ similar switching losses.
But there many open questions e.g. concerning power capability, clean swichting and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), suitable magnetics and capacitor design and long-term stability of materials. That is why the IMAB Power Electronics Group works on improved design methods for power electronics components and topologies in theory and experiments, improvement for reliability, lifetime especially for the new grid applications, for the mobility (E-vehicle, Aviation) including Battery Charging (mobile, stationary) and energy efficiency for standard applications.