Wang Works To Support Ultrafast Power Grid of the Future

The United States’ electric grid faces numerous challenges, including aging infrastructure, an increasing frequency of severe weather events, emerging cyber and physical threats, and the goal of achieving Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2050. Traditional electromechanical gear, low-frequency transformers, and protection equipment hinder the grid’s ability to quickly control, absorb, reroute, and isolate power flow, leading to cascading power failures. Solid-state substations utilizing power electronics-based conversion can address these limitations, enhancing grid resilience and reliability while providing superior control and protection capabilities.

A new $3.23 million research project, “A 3.3kV/200A 70kHz Half Bridge SiC Power Module with Low EMI, Low Power Loss, Good Thermal Management, and High Reliability,” funded by the Department of Energy (DOE)’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) ULTRAFAST program, aims to address the many challenges and limitations facing today’s electric grid. Led by UF researcher Dr. Shuo Wang, a team of researchers will develop highly energy-efficient, ultrafast, and reliable SiC power modules. These modules will serve as the building blocks for the future grid, enhancing control and protection capabilities.

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