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Alex Huang, ECE Department, NC State University

Alex Huang has been awarded $100,000 by Sandia National Laboratories for research on Advanced Power Devices and Converters.

The award will run from November 15th, 2007 to September 30th, 2008.

Research Abstract

Demonstration of a three phase ETO Light Converter

In order to speed up the commercialization of ETO Light Converter, it is important to demonstrate the converter in a three phase configuration. Demonstration of this converter in a three phase configuration is critical to showcase the high power density in the converter and modular feature of the converter. Currently, the three key technologies that needed for this demonstration has been verified, they are Light Triggered ETO (Gen-4 ETO), Heatpipe cooling system, and modular controller. An integration R&D project will be needed to develop and test a three phase converter. The three phase configuration shall demonstrate high density and modular capability.

Gen-4 ETO Improvements

There are three major components in one ETO:

1. PCB board
2. mechanical assembly
3. GTO

To reduce the cost of the ETO and to improve the reliability, there is a need to further improve the ETO. Improvement can be found in:

1. PCB board
2. mechanical assembly

One solution to reduce the PCB cost is to develop a more integrated PCB circuit. This could include the development of an integrated IC chip that combines all control functions on the PCB board that are currently served by discrete logic gates and amplifiers. Additional packaging concept will also be developed to simplify the ETO manufacturing.