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Archive for category: Press Release

Mitsubishi Electric Joins Horizon Europe’s “FLAGCHIP” Project to Develop Technology for Monitoring Power Module Condition

admin, 28/05/202528/05/2025, Press Release, 0

TOKYO, January 30, 2025 - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it will begin developing a prototype...

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Funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement 101172794. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

WBG and UWBG devices TCAD and behavioural models to predict reliability

There are two models of WBG and UWBG devices. One is based on TCAD simulation and another is a compact model used for power electronics circuit simulation. TCAD model will reveal the origin and the physics of failure, while the comapct model will predict the device parameters drift consideirng circuit application conditions.

New MOSFETs types

In the project, new 6.5 kV SiC MOSFET chip technologies reaching blocking voltages beyond commercially available products will be developed. To date, the commercial SiC MOSFET products are available up to 3.3kV from a few manufacturers including Hitachi Energy.

Prototypes of 6.5kV SiC MOSFET chips will be manufactured in the facilities of Hitachi Energy starting from an initial planar gate transistor concept. The potential of advanced 3D structures in enhancing the performance of 6.5kV SiC MOSFET will be evaluated in TCAD simulations by mqSemi.

Novel packages with integrated cooling and sensor in the power module

The integrated cooling solution enables high performance cooling, while ensuring high voltage isolation, in a compact form factor. The same dielectrif fluid is used to extract the heat dissipated by the semiconductor devices and to encapsulate them in an insulating medium.

Integrating additional sensors and their conditionning electronics in the power module allows for more advanced condition monitoring

Tj estimation based on TSEP

PCB board implemented between the gate driver and the power module to monitor online the junction temperature of the power module by using the internal gate resistance as a Thermal Sensitive Electrical Parameter (TSEP)

Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors for Tj estimation

This is a hardware demonstrator that shows how to use FBG sensors to monitor the junciton temperture of several chips of a power module used in a power converter.

Strategies and methodology for limp mode enabling

The AC Power Cycling Test (PCT) bench will deliver degradation results after ageing power modules. The idea is to link power cycling conditions and module lifetime. The strategy consist of monitoring modules parameters(Vds, Vth, Vd, Rds,on, Tj, etc) depending on operating condition (Tj, power, phase) and in case of excessive drifting of them (10% for instance), reduce the power load until the next maintenance date and the remaining useful life.

RUL prediction model

This is a softwre demonstration that shows the remaining useful lifetime (RUL) of power semiconductor devices and modules used in power electronics converters under a mission profile.

Power electronic digital twin for C&HM

A virtual representation of a power electronic converter on a digital platform, that uses real-time measurements from the physical system to accurately replicate its behavior.

This virtual model enables the detection of anomalous operation and supports the estimation of the system’s remaining useful life, enhancing condition monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities.

Costs Assessment, Cost-Benefit Analysis and Cost Models

FLAGCHIP will utilise TCAD process and device simulations for SiC MOSFETs of various voltage ratings, along with auxiliary components, to link the device design and process with performance and manufacturing cost.

Wind farms maintenance optimization tool

Prototype software tool for predictive maintenance planning for offshore wind farms, considering degradation of component condition or control strategies to mitigate degradation. (In FLAGCHIP, power electronics components will be given most attention.)

The tool is expected to consider the risk of component and turbine failure, maintenance resources, weather forecasts etc. to find the best opportunities (weather windows) for maintenance.

Techno-economic cost models for offshore wind farm maintenance

Techno-economic models and analyses for business models and service agreements for C&HM and maintenance. These models are also referred to as “stress steering” models since they are means to control the risk of power electronics failure through the design of the C&HM and maintenance service agreements. (This is analogous to stress steering by the physical control strategy (limp mode) of the components, which is another FLAGCHIP result.)

These cost models (business arrangements) prescribe how economic risks are distributed between different actors, depending on the design of the C&HM and maintenance service agreements, and will be evaluated by techno-economic analysis models (software) extended for the purpose

Research data and scientific publications

FLAGCHIP’s analysis, design, development and pilot testing activities will lead to the generation of valuable research data and 12 high quality open-access scientific publications, which will be disseminated as such in top-ranked scientific journals and conferences.

Lessons Learnt and guidelines

FLAGCHIP will analyse existing regulations, standards, and policies related to the FLAGCHIP h/w and s/w technologies, to identify a) gaps and challenges, b) limitations and barriers, c) enablers and drivers for empowering large-scale replication of the FLAGCHIP outcomes and wider market uptake of its solutions.

Key project insights will be transformed into clear and concise recommendations for effectively supporting the transformation of European energy systems, aligned with the SET Plan objectives and towards establishing EU’s industrial leadership

AC Power Cycling Results (Degradation)

The AC Power Cycling Test (PCT) bench will deliver degradation results after ageing power modules. These results will be intersesting to better understand the behaviour of SiC power module and estimate their lifetime

Innovative Test-bench (AC PCT with in-situ static parameters measurement (Vth, RDS_ON…) with specific hardware

Instead of having to stop AC Power Cycling Tests each time measurements need to be done, in-situ measurements of VDS, VSSk, Vth (and so during the AC PCT tests) will be carried on

TSEP vs DSEP (Reliable CHM)

A reliable junction temperature measurement is a key element to prevent failure and to preserve the lifetime of power modules . However measuring the junction temperature remains a challenging task.

The use of derived measurements implies to correctly distinguish possible drift of the measured parameters and the real variation of temperature.

It consists of distinguishing parameters variation due to temperature variation (TSEP) versus parameters variation due to degradation (DSEP)

The integrated FLAGCHIP power module

At the device level, FLAGCHIP will carry out the design, development, and optimization of new SiC MOSFET chip technologies with the target of increasing the blocking voltage capability beyond commercially available products and reduce costs with semiconductors by removing the need for series connecting multiple lower voltage SiC MOSFETs.

At package level, developments will be focused on new packaging structures that include sensor integration with focus on electrical and electromagnetic aspects, especially isolation, and thermal and thermomechanical aspects such as, integrated cooling, thermal buffers, and stress compensation.

At condition and health monitoring level, protection systems will be specifically targeted within the project with the development of new types of modules which incorporate sensors and electrical and conditioning circuits to monitor the temperature and health status of the power modules.

CIRCE - Technology Centre

CIRCE is a Spanish technology centre with over 30 years of experience dedicated to generating and transferring technological solutions in the fields of energy and sustainability, aiming to improve the competitiveness of businesses. Composed of nearly 300 professionals, CIRCE specializes in efficiency and decarbonization, renewable generation and resources, hydrogen, artificial intelligence and digitalization, sustainable mobility, recycling and circular economy, smart grids, and industrial technologies.

SINTEF ENERGI AS

SINTEF Energy Research is an applied research institute dedicated to creating innovative energy solutions. We specialise in cutting-edge, research-based knowledge and infrastructure both in Norway and internationally, with the aim of providing our clients with solutions and services that increase value and strengthen their competitive ability. SINTEF Energy Research is a part of the SINTEF group, one of Europe's largest independent research institutes. SINTEF is a non-profit research foundation where no owners can withdraw dividends. Financial profits are invested in scientific equipment and expertise.

SUPERGRID INSTITUTE

SuperGrid Institute is a privately owned company with expertise in high and medium voltage direct current (HVDC and MVDC) systems and technologies – key components of the energy networks of the future. Our work actively contributes to the energy transition by removing technical barriers to the deployment of future power grids, known as “supergrids”.

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC R&D CENTRE EUROPE B.V.

Mitsubishi Electric R&D Centre Europe is the European R&D centre from the Corporate R&D organisation of Mitsubishi Electric. Situated at the heart of Europe's leading R&D community, Mitsubishi Electric R&D Centre Europe includes two entities, one located in Rennes, France and another located in Livingston, UK. We conduct R&D into next generation communication and information systems, power electronic systems and environment and energy systems.

Our industrial research targets anti-fragility and energy autarky by increasing reliability, efficiency and quality of the different solutions.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM

The University of Nottingham is a pioneering university that transforms the lives of our 45,000 students at our campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia.

INSTITUT NATIONAL DES SCIENCES APPLIQUEES DE LYON

INSA Lyon is a leading engineering school with strong humanist values that have formed the basis of its business model for more than 60 years.
Created in 1957 by philosopher Gaston Berger and Rector Jean Capelle, INSA Lyon is the oldest and largest of the 7 schools making up the INSA Group.
INSA Lyon boasts 22 research laboratories, more than 700 researchers and teacher-researchers, about 600 PhD students, and over 1,000 industrial contracts with the socio-economic world.

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS

The French National Centre for Scientific Research is among the world's leading research institutions. Its scientists explore the living world, matter, the Universe, and the functioning of human societies in order to meet the major challenges of today and tomorrow. Internationally recognised for the excellence of its scientific research, the CNRS is a reference in the world of research and development, as well as for the general public.

ECOLE CENTRALE DE LYON

Founded in 1857, the École Centrale de Lyon is one of the top 10 engineering schools in France. Our campuses in Ecully and Saint Étienne (ENISE, an internal school) are home to more than 3,000 students from over 50 nationalities.
With its focus on energy, decarbonization, the environment and reduced consumption the Ecole Centrale de Lyon is collaborating with partners in industry, state and non-profit organizations to implement the transition to more sustainable development.

HOCHSCHULE FUR ANGEWANDTE WISSENSCHAFTEN KEMPTEN

Kempten University of Applied Sciences is the only public institution of higher education in Allgäu to provide academic training in engineering sciences, business administration and tourism, computer science and multimedia, and social and health studies. Since its foundation in 1977, this educational hub at the foot of the Alps has gone from strength to strength.
The special profile of Kempten University of Applied Sciences stems from the broad, solid training it provides in a tight core of foundation studies with proportionate specialisation at advanced level. Our courses are specially geared towards practical relevance and internationalisation across the board.

Q-PLAN INTERNATIONAL ADVISORS PC

Q-PLAN is an innovation and management consulting company based in Thessaloniki, Greece. It focuses on design, management and implementation of Research and Innovation projects as well as studies; support of private or public organisations of different types and sizes to (re)design, implement, audit and accredit/ certify their management systems and processes; and support services for businesses to make the most out of available funding and financing opportunities. Q-PLAN has been involved in over 55 EU-funded projects and policy studies.

CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), established in 2004, stands as a respected public institution in Limassol and offers a comprehensive educational experience.
The CUT is a forward-thinking and innovative university, renowned for its ability to deliver top-tier education and cutting-edge research in fields that drive substantial economic, technical, and scientific advancements. Driven by a focus on applied research, the University has emerged as a significant ally to both the State and Society, tackling pressing challenges across all domains of science, technology, and knowledge. By leveraging its expertise and resources, CUT actively engages in problem-solving efforts that directly benefit society and contribute to the advancement of various fields crucial to societal well-being and progress.
As an autonomous institution, the CUT embraces the core values of science, technology, arts, and culture, and its core mission revolves around advancing research, fostering education, facilitating industry collaboration, and making meaningful contributions to society.

HITACHI ENERGY LTD

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We are advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible, and secure, and we collaborate with customers and partners to enable a sustainable energy future – for today’s generations and those to come.
Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries, serving customers in utility, industry, transportation, data centers and infrastructure sectors. With innovative technologies and services including the integration of more than 150 gigawatts of HVDC links into the power system, we help make the energy value chain more efficient, making electricity more accessible to all.

MQSEMI AG

Our start-up mqSemi is developing advanced power semiconductor concepts, which will deliver powerful product platforms targeting next generation power electronics systems with special focus on e-mobility / automotive, renewables and drives applications.
We truly believe that powering future applications for a sustainable world, should be based on efficient, compact, reliable and cost-effective power semiconductor components, that are technology-forward and innovation-centred./span>

Mitsubishi Electric Joins Horizon Europe’s “FLAGCHIP” Project to Develop Technology for Monitoring Power Module Condition

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Archive for category: Press Release

Mitsubishi Electric Joins Horizon Europe’s “FLAGCHIP” Project to Develop Technology for Monitoring Power Module Condition

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Subscribe to our newsletter

About

News & Events

FLAGCHIP's Innovations

Resources

Pilot Cases

Contact Us

Privacy & Cookie Policy

CIRCE - Technology Centre

SINTEF ENERGI AS

SUPERGRID INSTITUTE

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC R&D CENTRE EUROPE B.V.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM

INSTITUT NATIONAL DES SCIENCES APPLIQUEES DE LYON

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS

ECOLE CENTRALE DE LYON

HOCHSCHULE FUR ANGEWANDTE WISSENSCHAFTEN KEMPTEN

Q-PLAN INTERNATIONAL ADVISORS PC

CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

HITACHI ENERGY LTD

MQSEMI AG

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