Ultrafast, Autonomous Grid Protection Using Linear Photonic Switching

Default ARPA-E Project Image

Program:
ULTRAFAST
Award:
TBD
Location:
TBD
Status:
Selected
Project Term:
TBD
Website:

Technology Description:

Opcondys is developing a light-controlled grid protection device to suppress destructive sudden and short-lived surges in energy on the grid caused by lightning and electromagnetic pulses. The proposed protection module improves upon current slower surge protection devices by using high-voltage photoconductive power electronics with nanosecond response times. If successful, any sudden and short-lived disruption through utility lines will auto-trigger the module, halting a disruption from traveling any further and protecting grid-connected equipment.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Olga Spahn
Project Contact:
Kristin Sampayan
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
kristinsa@opcondys.com

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• Texas Tech University - Ultrawide-Bandgap Semiconductors for Extrinsic Photoconductive Switching Devices
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• University of Pennsylvania - All-Optical Control of Isolated High Voltage Power Systems Using Integrated Electronic, Photonic, and Microfabricated Sensing and Breaker Technology
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• University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) - Optically Triggered Ultrawide-Bandgap (UWBG) Power Electronics

Release Date:
02/24/2023