In the context of the global energy transition, power electronics are gradually becoming the core force to promote sustainable development. Germany Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) recently announced that nearly 2 million euros have been invested in the "All-GO-HEMT" project, which aims to develop modulated doped β-(AlxGa1-x)2O3/Ga2O3 heterostructures with high electron mobility. The project, led by Dr. Andreas Fiedler of the Leibniz Institute for Crystallography in Berlin, is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of power electronics and make an important contribution to sustainable energy production.
Project background and technical details
At the heart of the "All-GO-HEMT" project is the use of gallium oxide (Ga2O3), an ultra-wide bandgap material. Ga2O3 is considered a promising candidate material in the field of power electronics, enabling more compact designs that improve the efficiency of the conversion process and the reliability of the system. Compared to traditional materials such as silicon, gallium nitride (GaN), and silicon carbide (SiC), the potential of Ga2O3 in terms of efficiency has not been fully exploited. According to a report by AG Energiebilanzen e.V., about 65% of electrical energy was lost in Germany during the conversion process in 2021, a high loss that urgently needs a solution.
Despite its potential in power electronics, Ga2O3 has relatively low carrier mobility, which is a major obstacle to its application. Dr. Fiedler vividly compares Ga2O3 to conventional materials: "Gallium oxide is like a ten-meter dirt road versus a one-kilometer highway. Although it is slower, it ultimately reaches its destination faster due to a more compact design and lower energy consumption. "The goal of the project is to overcome the limitations of Ga2O3 in terms of carrier mobility through an innovative aluminum alloy heterostructure design, thereby improving the overall efficiency of power electronics.
Figure：All-GO-HEMT Project Major Andreas Fiedler
Project objectives and application prospects
The project "All-GO-HEMT" aims not only to develop new materials, but also to create a reliable material base for research and industry. This foundation is essential for the development of high-performance devices, as the current lack of high-quality materials limits the development of compact designs and optimized manufacturing processes. The project partner Ferdinand-Braun Institut (FBH) will use this material base to develop new prototypes, which will then be tested for industrial applications by ZF Friedrichshafen AG. AIXTRON SE and Siltronic AG will analyze the entire value chain, from crystal growth to finished equipment, to quantify and evaluate the economic and ecological benefits of this technology.
Social and economic impact
Advances in power electronics are critical to achieving global sustainability goals. According to Hitachi Energy's analysis, power electronics are playing an increasingly important role in the global energy system, with 70% of the world's electricity expected to be processed through power electronics in the coming decades. More efficient power electronics not only help reduce harmful emissions, but also increase the economic efficiency of energy-intensive processes.
The successful implementation of the "All-GO-HEMT" project will lay an important foundation for Germany's technological sovereignty in the field of power electronics. By improving the efficiency of power electronics, we can not only reduce energy losses, but also promote economic growth and create new jobs. "We strongly believe that by combining a more compact design with higher carrier mobility, the efficiency of power electronics can be significantly improved," said Dr. Fiedler.”
Future outlook
With the continuous development of power electronics technology, the industry is facing new opportunities and challenges. In the future, power electronics will continue to drive access to renewable energy sources and improve grid flexibility and reliability. According to the "Digitalization of Power 2030" report, the digitalization of the power system will become an important support for achieving the goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Power electronics will play a key role in this process, helping to achieve more efficient energy management and utilization.
In summary, the "All-GO-HEMT" project is not only a manifestation of technological innovation, but also an important measure to promote sustainable energy development. Through in-depth research and application of gallium oxide materials, Germany's technological strength in the field of power electronics will be further strengthened, providing strong support for the global energy transition.
