In pursuit of Carbon net-zero, it is imperative to develop technologies that enhance the efficiency and reliability of energy conversion, e.g. in drivetrain and rapid chargers of electric vehicles (EVs). To put this into context, the larger battery size (i.e. 350 kWh at 800 V & 440 A for higher consumption) and long-range driving nature of heavy-duty EVs mandate ubiquitous access to extremely fast chargers at 350 kW for financially justifiable charging delays. These are proposed to directly connect to 11 kV feeders by high-frequency solid-state-transformers (SST), needing energy-dense fast power modules. Literature indicates that the emergence of wide-bandgap semiconductor devices, especially Silicon Carbide devices, enables us to deliver ultra-efficient reliable converters that deliver the next leap. Wide-bandgap power electronics is, however, currently being slowed down due to issues such as high dV/dt, common-mode interference and degradations. This means the full potential of wide-bandgap devices is still far from being obtained. The IEEE International Technology Roadmap for Wide-Bandgap Power Semiconductors (ITRW) has indicated that to unlock this potential, these limitations must be broken-through by 2028. As the UK is leading toward automotive electrification with a ban on the sale of new petrol & diesel engines by 2030, the UK needs to develop this technology locally, and earlier than this, to remain a global competitor in 'driving the electric revolution'. Research on SiC devices has shown that they are prone to progressive degradations, with a 'memory' effect that leads to a drift of electrothermal parameters away from the datasheet values. This can lead to failures in long-term operations. Nevertheless, it is demonstrated that under certain conditions the devices can recover to close to the initial state, if the devices are subjected to specific electrical and thermal conditions. This proposal, in a nutshell, aims to take advantage of these findings to explore ways of controlling and reversing degradation in devices using non-contact sensors which feed information to smart, active gate drivers, which, in turn, control the recovery of the power devices. To this end, this New Investigator Award project aims to make the power electronic core of these power converters responsive to operating conditions and functional degradations. This will be achieved by closing the loop between detection of change in SiC devices and how devices are controlled via their gates. This would permit SiC devices to be operated safely at higher switching speeds and thus efficiencies, than current datasheet limits allow. This is because datasheet nominal values are conservative in order to take every situation into account, whereas new situational awareness will allow these limits to be safely exceeded when appropriate. This is so important, particularly in the case of SiC power conversion, because whilst it is successfully taking over from silicon, it is also known that the potential performance of SiC is over an order higher than today's systems. Being able to safely break through these nominal limitations will reduce converter volume in cars and aircraft 2x or more, and bring a similar reduction in power loss in wind and solar power generation. Perhaps most importantly, it will reduce operational risk, by changing to safer driving modes as devices age or overheat. For example, this will reduce the cost of offshore wind power generation by generating more power at a lower risk of damage, and allow maintenance to be pre-empted. In the future, responsive power conversion with awareness of operating conditions and degradation could allow electric vehicles to detect the onset of drive failure, and activate a safe mode to get people home.

Co-created and delivered with industry, REWIRE will accelerate the UK's ambition for net zero by transforming the next generation of high voltage electronic devices using wide/ultra-wide bandgap (WBG/UWBG) compound semiconductors. Our application-driven, collaborative research programme and training will advance the next generation of semiconductor power device technologies to commercialisation and enhance the security of the UK's semiconductor supply-chain. Power devices are at the centre of all power electronic systems. WBG/UWBG compound semiconductor devices pave the way for more efficient and compact power electronic systems, reducing energy loss at the power systems level. The UK National Semiconductor Strategy recognises advances in these technologies and the technical skills required for their development and manufacture as essential to supporting the growing net zero economy. REWIRE's philosophy is centred on cycles of use cases co-created with industry and stakeholders, meeting market needs for devices with increased voltage ranges, maturity and reliability. We will develop multiple technologies in parallel from a range of initial TRL to commercialisation. Initial work will focus on three use cases co-developed with industry, for transformative next generation WBG/UWBG semiconductor power electronic devices: (1) Wind energy, HVDC networks (>10 kV) - increased range high voltage devices as the basis for enabling more efficient power conversion and more compact power converters; (2) High temperature applications, device and packaging - greatly expanded application ranges for power electronics; (3) Tools for design, yield and reliability - improving the efficiency of semiconductor device manufacture. These use cases will: improve higher TRL Silicon Carbide (SiC) 1-2kV technology towards higher voltages; advance low TRL devices such as Gallium Oxide (Ga2O3) and Aluminium Gallium Nitride (AlGaN), diamond and cubic Boron Nitride (c-BN) towards demonstration and ultimately commercialisation; and develop novel heterogenous integration techniques, either within a semiconductor chip or within a package, for enhanced functionality. Use cases will have an academic and industry lead, fostering academia-industry co-development across different work packages. These initial, transformative REWIRE technologies will have wide-ranging applications. They will enhance the efficient conversion of electricity to and from High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) for long-distance transfer, enabling a sustainable national grid with benefits including more reliable and secure communication systems. New technologies will also bring competitive advantage to the UK's strategically important electric vehicle and battery sectors, through optimised efficiency in charging, performance, energy conversion and management. New use cases will be co-developed throughout REWIRE, with our >30 industrial and policy partners who span the full semiconductor device supply chain, to meet stakeholder priorities. Through engagement with suppliers, manufacturers, and policymakers, REWIRE will pioneer advances in semiconductor supply chain management, developing supply chain tools for stakeholders to improve understanding of the dynamics of international trade, potential supply disruptions, and pricing volatilities. These tools and our Supply Chain Resilience Guide will support the commercialisation of technologies from use cases, enabling users to make informed decisions to enhance resilience, sustainability, and inclusion. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) are integral to REWIRE's ambitions. Through extensive collaboration across the academic and industrial partners, we will build the diverse, skilled workforce needed to accelerate innovation in academia and industry, creating resilient UK businesses and supply chains.