Silicon Carbide Power Technology for Energy Efficient Devices (SPEED)
| Led by: | Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Mertens |
| Team: | Christian Sommer |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Funding: | EU |
| Duration: | 01.01.2014 - 31.12.2017 |
In the EU-funded project SPEED, the use of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors in wind turbines is investigated. Compared to conventional Si semiconductors, SiC semiconductors are characterised by higher efficiency and lower cost for grid filters. However, SiC components currently offered on the market are not yet available in the high-power class required for wind converters. For this reason, SiC power semiconductors and modules to be applied in wind turbines are developed in this project. At IAL, converter topologies for wind turbines are under investigation which, combined with the benefits of SiC technology, may improve system efficiency to a considerable extent.
