Vertical GaN Photoconductive Semiconductor Switch for HVDC Breakers

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Program:
OPEN 2021
Award:
$4,782,000
Location:
Buellton, California
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
03/31/2022 - 03/30/2025

Technology Description:

SixPoint Materials and Texas Tech University will develop a photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) that will enable low-cost, fast-acting, high-efficiency, high-voltage HVDC circuit breakers. SixPoint will develop the key material, bulk crystals of semi-insulating gallium nitride (GaN), and Texas Tech will design the device structure and fabricate a 100 kV PCSS. Combining the GaN PCSS with a conventional mechanical switch will create a hybrid HVDC circuit breaker suitable for a multi-terminal HVDC grid. One 100 kV GaN PCSS could potentially replace 56 semiconductor switches made of conventional silicon technology.

Potential Impact:

The advancement of HVDC circuit breaker technology will accelerate the development of multi-point HVDC systems required for offshore wind and solar power plants. If successful, this project will :

Security:

Generate electricity to power more than 10 million American homes, increasing energy security.

Environment:

Cut 78 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Economy:

Support approximately 77,000 jobs in industry and surrounding communities.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Olga Spahn
Project Contact:
Dr. Tadao Hashimoto
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
tadao@spmaterials.com

Partners

Texas Tech University

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Release Date:
02/11/2021