Energy Efficiency Measurement of Wide Bandgap Based Power Supplies
This report discusses different measurement methods to evaluate the efficiency of WBG-based power supply solutions, including electrical and calorimetric methods, and compares the performance of Si-based and GaN-based chargers. The efficiency of chargers was measured at different load conditions, and it was observed that the maximum efficiency occurred generally at higher powers. GaN-based solutions outperformed […]
Analysis and Loss Measurements of WBG-Based Devices
Commercial power supplies with wide-bandgap (WBG) Technology promise enhanced efficiency. PECTA analyzes WBG-based devices, supported by Swiss research, focusing on measurement concepts, loss assessments, and a deep understanding of the WBG device benefits. The POWERlab at EPFL works on efficient WBG semiconductor technologies and develops accurate electrical measurement methods to provide insights into loss sources. […]
Application Readiness Map for Wide Bandgap (WBG) Semiconductors
The Power Electronic Conversion Technology Annex (PECTA) Application Readiness Map for Wide Bandgap (WBG) Semiconductors describes their expected market position through 2035. It is based on interviews with many experts and various roadmaps and could be used as a basis for deciding which power semiconductor technology to choose. This report presents an updated version and […]
Energy saving potential of WBG commercial power converters in different applications
This report explores the potential of wide bandgap (WBG) power semiconductor devices, such as SiC or GaN, in enhancing energy efficiency compared to traditional silicon-based systems. Estimating global energy savings, the research focuses on applications like data centers, photovoltaic inverters, low-voltage motor drives, electric vehicle charging stations, inverters for battery storage, and laptop chargers. Findings […]
EPE Paper – Reliability of WBG, results of a Pre-Scoping Study
This report contains the outcome of this first study on the reliability of Wide Band Gap (WBG) components and WBG-based applications. By summarizing key findings, it leads to an outlook and discusses the next steps.
EPE Paper – Policy measures to drive WBG for end use equipment
This paper discusses different potential policy measures to support the WBG uptake in end use equipment. The EU product regulations and specifically the potential PV inverter efficiency requirements, are discussed, serving as an example. Standardisation, in various fields (test methods for reliability and efficiency, rules for environmental footprint, modules and package architecture) and economic support […]
EPE Paper – Energy saving potential of WBG-commercial power converters in different applications
This work estimates the yearly global energy savings potential of different power electronics applications featuring commercial wide bandgap (WBG)-based power converters. It is the first study analyzing real products in the market. We show that WBG-based products exhibit considerable energy-saving potential in all investigated applications. Further, because of the large annual increase of installed photovoltaic […]
EPE Paper – Identifying the potential of SiC technology for PV inverters
Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices offer energy efficiency improvements over conventional silicon (Si) semiconductors. Through measurements and simulation results, this paper intends to quantify this efficiency improvement in a typical photovoltaic (PV) application. This allows designers and policy makers to better understand the benefits of SiC, enabling more informed decisions.
EPE Paper – Switching losses in power devices: From dynamic on resistance to output capacitance hysteresis
In this paper, we review some of the main methods to characterize on-state and off-state losses in wide-band-gap devices under switching conditions. In the off-state, we will discuss about losses related to charging and discharging the output capacitance in wide-band-gap devices, both in hard- and soft-switching. In the on-state, we will present an accurate measurement […]
EPE Paper – Measurement of WBG-based power supplies
This paper discusses different measurement methods to evaluate the efficiency of WBG-based power supply solutions, including electrical measurement methods and their verification with calorimetric methods, and compares the performance of Si-based and GaN-based chargers. The efficiency of chargers was measured at different load conditions, and it was observed that the maximum efficiency occurred generally at […]
EPE Paper – Looking beyond energy efficiency – Environmental aspects and impacts of WBG devices and applications over their life cycle
The environmental aspects and impacts of wide bandgap (WBG) materials such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) in specific end-use electronic applications and products have not yet been fully investigated. The design trade-offs and comparison of WBG with classic Silicon based technology for the same applications, with a life cycle thinking perspective, are […]
4E Evaluation Guidebook – Overview
Summary of the 4E Energy Efficiency Appliance and Equipment Standards and Labelling Programmes Evaluation Guidebook.
4E Evaluation Guidebook
The 4E Evaluation Guidebook is intended to assist impact evaluations of equipment energy efficiency standards and labelling (EES&L) programmes. It explains the methodologies that are proven to deliver robust and credible evaluations within five key steps.
Progressing Energy Efficiency Policies for Systems
Systems are described as the next frontier for energy efficiency policy, offering the potential to unlock huge energy savings in equipment-based energy-using systems.
In this summary we highlight some of the key findings from 4E’s investigations over several years.
Achievements of Energy Efficiency Appliance and Equipment Standards and Labelling Programmes: 2021 FULL Report
The complete 2021 report on the impact of standards and labelling programmes in countries around the world, drawing on nearly 400 published reports, studies and papers covering more than 100 products.
Achievements of Energy Efficiency Appliance and Equipment Standards and Labelling Programmes: 2021 SUMMARY Report
The 2021 summary report on the impact of standards and labelling programmes in countries around the world.
Policy Brief – The Energy Efficiency Potential and Application Readiness of Wide Band Gap Technology
Power electronics condition and control the conversion and flow of electricity, using solid-state electrical devices to handle a wide
Wide Band Gap Technology: Efficiency Potential and Application Readiness Map
Technologies, systems and applications incorporating power electronic conversion devices and modules are defining many aspects of our modern society, making possible higher living
Policy Brief – The Wasted Energy of Connected Devices
Connecting devices to the internet has profound implications for energy use, in three areas: Digitalisation, Wasted Energy and Upstream Consequences. This policy brief covers the second topic – Wasted Energy
Policy Brief – Upstream Consequences from Connected Devices
Connecting devices to the internet has profound implications for energy use, in three areas: Digitalisation, Wasted Energy and Upstream Consequences. This policy brief covers the third topic – Upstream Consequences. This policy brief is based on two EDNA reports: Total Energy Model for Connected Devices and Intelligent Efficiency for Data Centres & Wide Area Networks