Promising growth opportunities within the UK’s power electronics sector have been identified in a new report released by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC).
The APC has identified four innovation opportunities for the UK:
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System Health and Safety: Focuses on predictive maintenance and self-diagnostics to reduce EV ownership costs and improve safety.
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GaN-Based Conversion Systems: Explores the use of gallium nitride (GaN) for cheaper, smaller, and more efficient power converters.
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Technologies for Higher Device Yield and Lower-Cost Devices: Larger wafers and higher-voltage devices to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
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Thermal Management: Innovations to manage heat dissipation and improve device reliability.
The Innovation Opportunities Report provides a deep dive into all themes identified on the power electronics technology roadmap released in 2024 and compares them against the European and UK supply chain capabilities.
This analysis provides an overview of key focus areas and associated strengths, and gaps to guide the industry’s direction of travel across the global landscape in power electronics.
Dr Hadi Moztarzadeh, Head of Technology Trends, APC, said: “By analysing key industry challenges and associated R&D opportunities in power electronics technologies, this report helps the UK to progress in this sector. In the automotive industry, power electronics development is largely driven by battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake. With the push for higher efficiency, higher power density, and lower cost innovations in power electronics are required.
“The UK government and the automotive industry have already made significant investments in unlocking the pathway for these opportunities. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) recently announced a new funding initiative, Driving Research and Investment in Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE35), which will secure the UK’s place at the forefront of zero-emission vehicle development.
“By continuing to provide a funding programme for these innovative technologies, the UK can establish a stronger supply chain in the power electronics supply chain in the UK.”
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