More Efficient Power Conversion for EVs

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Program:
OPEN 2009
Award:
$7,044,569
Location:
Troy, Michigan
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
02/01/2010 - 12/31/2013

Technology Description:

Delphi Automotive Systems is developing power converters that are smaller and more energy efficient, reliable, and cost-effective than current power converters. Power converters rely on power transistors which act like a very precisely controlled on-off switch, controlling the electrical energy flowing through an electrical circuit. Most power transistors today use silicon (Si) semiconductors. However, Delphi is using semiconductors made with a thin layer of gallium-nitride (GaN) applied on top of the more conventional Si material. The GaN layer increases the energy efficiency of the power transistor and also enables the transistor to operate at much higher temperatures, voltages, and power-density levels compared to its Si counterpart. Delphi is packaging these high-performance GaN semiconductors with advanced electrical connections and a cooling system that extracts waste heat from both sides of the device to further increase the device's efficiency and allow more electrical current to flow through it. When combined with other electronic components on a circuit board, Delphi's GaN power transistor package will help improve the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of HEVs and EVs.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Delphi would improve the efficiency of power conversion by 50% or more—making a wide variety of HEVs and EVs more viable alternatives to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Security:

Increased use of EVs would decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil—the transportation sector is the dominant source of this dependence.

Environment:

This project would help facilitate widespread adoption of energy-efficient HEVs and EVs, greatly improving local air quality in high-traffic urban and suburban areas while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Economy:

HEVs and EVs could save the typical American driver $500 per year in fuel costs.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Timothy Heidel
Project Contact:
Mr. Greg Grant
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
greg.l.grant@delphi.com

Partners

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
International Rectifier

Related Projects


Release Date:
10/26/2009