Researchers from Aalborg University have developed a new type of power chip based on the material gallium oxide, which can produce energy more cost-effectively than existing solutions, such as silicon carbide, which is normally used to produce power chips. The chip is targeted for applications in wind turbines and heat pumps, where a stable energy supply is crucial. This is stated by Aalborg University in a press release.
The development has taken place in a relatively short time after an idea arose at a conference in the USA a year and a half ago, and researchers from AAU have since, in collaboration with a Japanese factory, manufactured a prototype in just two weeks.
- Firstly, the chip is much cheaper to produce than traditional power chips made from silicon carbide. We can achieve the performance of the currently best power chips for a third of the price. Next, a production of power chips here will give Denmark security of supply in an area that has an incredibly large impact on the Danish economy, says Stig Munk-Nielsen, a professor at the Department of Energy at Aalborg University, referring to, among others, Vestas, Grundfos and Danfoss, all of which use power chips in their production.
The ambition is now to scale up production so that the chip can be used industrially. Aalborg University has invested a million in the project together with external funds and is also working to secure additional funding, for example from the Innovation Fund.
Niche product in the world - big in Denmark
The project has also attracted interest from the business community, including Polyteknik A/S, which sees potential in building a stronger environment for chip production in North Jutland.
- At Polyteknik, we have a natural interest in creating a larger cluster of companies related to the chip industry in the long term. It will be a growth catalyst for chip development and production in North Jutland,” says Jens William Larsen, CEO of Polyteknik.
According to Stig Munk-Nielsen, who came up with the idea for the new chip, Danish production of power chips could have strategic significance for both Europe and especially in Denmark, where there is an increasing focus on security of supply and technological independence.
- On a global scale, power chips are just a niche in the chip area, but in Denmark it is huge. That is why we want to create an environment where new companies can grow up around the development of the power chip. This will strengthen research at the university, create jobs and make North Jutland a power hub for chip technology, says Stig Munk-Nielsen.
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