The Role of Technology in the Energy Transition

The Role of Technology in the Energy Transition

The generation, distribution, and usage of electrical power are undergoing a change not seen in many decades. As the world adapts to climate change and geopolitical uncertainties, innovative technologies are spurring a massive change in the entire energy ecosystem. In this article, we will summarize a panel discussion on the role of technology in the energy transition by leading industry experts.

The Role of Semiconductors in the Energy Transition
Wolfspeed is a leader in the manufacturing of silicon carbide (SiC) substrates and high-power SiC semiconductor devices. The many advantages of SiC in power conversion are well understood. These include the intrinsic advantages of this wide bandgap (WBG) material in more efficiently scaling to higher power compared to silicon (Si) based devices. The lower thermal resistance of SiC enables its use in extreme heat and humidity compared to Si IGBTs. Lower losses during power conversion translate to efficiency improvements of up to 3% in solar inverters and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) boost systems while allowing a shrink in the associated cooling systems. Overall system costs can be reduced by up to 30% with a smaller and lighter system that is easier to transport, install, and maintain.

Balkas stated that scaling SiC substrate and device manufacturing to meet future needs is a key goal. The complexity of the manufacturing process with advanced equipment and supply chain bottlenecks can be key constraining elements. Environmental aspects in manufacturing, including the gases/chemicals/energy needed to produce these devices need to be considered and optimized. The challenge is to manage growth and investments in the best possible way and produce the right product mix at the right time. Wolfspeed is vertically integrated with its substrate supply and Fabs and this creates many advantages in meeting these challenges. It is transitioning to produce larger, 200mm SiC wafer sizes, and building Fabs that use these. As with Si, this is expected to improve Fab efficiency and lower die costs. Continued innovations in both substrate and die manufacturing will be essential to create further die cost reductions.

Soundarapandian stated that electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage, and distribution were sectors where WBG semiconductors play an important role. One common factor in power conversion applications is the trend for increased power density. Electrical power needs are increasing due to the transition out of fossil fuel-based energy, such as EVs and heat pumps. WBG materials such as SiC and GaN enable efficiency improvements in the distribution and usage of energy that are necessary for an environmentally sustainable future. Scaling up the manufacturing of these semiconductors is of crucial importance to create cost reductions. Texas Instruments produces GaN power devices. The high efficiency, high-frequency switching with GaN enables the use of simpler converter topologies and smaller magnetics, hence creating system-level advantages in cost and size. GaN devices are expected to play an increasingly dominant role in many applications including EVs, solar power conversion, power adapters, and supplies for home and industrial use.

Smart Grids for Decentralized Energy Distribution
The energy and power generation sector is currently the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy generation is expected to surpass fossil-fuel-based production in the coming years. A significant portion of this can be de-centralized, where microgrids and EVs function to power homes. Battery and other long-term energy storage makes the variable nature of renewable energy generation more stable. Some of the characteristics of a future electric grid are:

High-efficiency power conversion with the use of modular and scalable Solid-State Power Stations (SSPSs) that use WBG semiconductors for power conversion
Bi-directional power flow allowing integration with distributed, renewable energy generation and energy storage systems
Use of Solid-State Transformers (SSTs) with higher frequency switching that enables size and weight reduction
Increased power density in the SSPS roadmap, with the trend to higher voltage and power ratings and the integration of secure communications.
Integration with High Voltage DC (HVDC) power transmission systems and grid-forming converters
Real-time autonomous load-balancing with advanced algorithms and server-class computation at the substations
High level of cybersecurity
Resiliency to the severity of weather conditions created by climate change
Traditional power grids have been centralized and unidirectional. Renewable energy can create large swings in power injection into a transmission system. Further, loads such as fast charging of EVs can lead to big swings in power consumption. Hence this future grid must have advanced computational capability for load balancing. Further, this computational need is created at the edge of the grid, where decentralized, distributed sources would be present. Intel, with vast experience in both hardware and software computational technology, is at the forefront of building systems that can be for this critical load-balancing function in future energy grids. Figure 2 depicts the change envisaged with a modern grid.

Conclusion
The goal of net-zero emissions requires changes to energy generation, distribution, and usage. There is a sense of urgency to implement these changes. WBG semiconductors enable more efficient power conversion, however, their widespread use will entail scaling up production and lowering costs. A smarter, more resilient, and more distributed grid is a key requirement to meet the increased electric power need for the future. Scaling up PV and wind generation is essential in the short term, but fusion nuclear energy has the potential to supply vast amounts of clean energy in the long term.

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