A UNIVERSAL (Ultrafast, Noise-Immune, Versatile, Efficient, Reliable, Scalable, and Accurate Light-Controlled) Switch Module

Default ARPA-E Project Image

Program:
ULTRAFAST
Award:
$2,759,821
Location:
Knoxville, Tennessee
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
05/10/2024 - 05/09/2027
Website:

Technology Description:

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville will develop scalable light-triggered semiconductor switch modules for the protection of grid and aviation power systems. The proposed switch module seeks to achieve cost savings, fast switching speeds, and built-in redundancy by using sub-modules featuring lower-voltage and lower-current silicon carbide devices for desired higher application voltage and current levels. The University of Tennessee’s switch modules are controlled by light instead of electrical signals to minimize the electromagnetic interference and to simplify electrical isolation design.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Olga Spahn
Project Contact:
Prof. Fei (Fred) Wang
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
fred.wang@utk.edu

Partners

Clemson University
Drexel University
Eaton Corporation
The Boeing Company
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of Houston

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• University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) - A UNIVERSAL (Ultrafast, Noise-Immune, Versatile, Efficient, Reliable, Scalable, and Accurate Light-Controlled) Switch Module
• University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) - Optically Triggered Ultrawide-Bandgap (UWBG) Power Electronics

Release Date:
02/24/2023