Opportunity Title:
Request for Information (RFI) Ultra-Fast-Triggered Semiconductor Devices for Enhanced System Resiliency
Opportunity Number:
DE-FOA-0002835
Description:
This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. This RFI is not accepting applications for financial assistance. The purpose of this RFI is solely to solicit input for ARPA-E consideration to inform the possible formulation of future programs. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit input for a potential future ARPA-E research and development program focused on development of materials and device technologies to support advances in grid resiliency and reliability. ARPA-E seeks input from power electronics, optoelectronics, photonics, and other related communities regarding the development and demonstration of next-generation ultra-fast semiconductor devices (potentially light controlled/triggered) for enhanced resiliency and reliability of power electronics systems ranging from kilowatts to gigawatts of power. Consistent with the agency’s mission, ARPA-E is seeking clearly disruptive, novel technologies, early in the R&D cycle, and not integration strategies for existing technologies. Power electronic conversion systems are capable of decoupling dynamics between system sources, distribution, and loads, while improving system controllability, reliability, resilience, and efficiency. These benefits are already being realized in a variety of applications, such as electric cars, ships, and airplanes, where power electronics replace traditional thermal, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. To realize these benefits in grid applications and to enable widespread integration while maintaining and improving grid resiliency and reliability, new approaches are needed to overcome several technical challenges, including:
• Device operation at voltages and currents more compatible with H/MV grid requirements (15 kV-110kV+)
• Electromagnetic Interference issues and losses being driven by increased switching speed
• Ultra-fast switching required to protect against faults and power surges (avoiding thermal overload)
RFI Deadline:
September 9, 2022
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