About
The SAFEPOWER project
SAFEPOWER stands for Safer and More Reliable WBG/UWBG-based MVDC Power Converters.
The project is funded by the European Union under grant agreement No 101172940.
Technological Pilots in three countries
Key Enabling Technologies
Research Pillars to be investigated
Institutions backing the project
The need for this project
As the demand for electricity continues to rise with increased electrification, there is a growing need for a more efficient, secure, flexible, and affordable energy distribution system. Medium Voltage DC (MVDC) grids play a key role in this transition. They are crucial for expanding renewable energy, particularly solar power, across Europe, covering distances of a few hundred kilometres within countries.
MVDC converters, which operate at medium voltage levels (1-35 kV), help manage the flow of electricity by converting power between different forms (DC/DC, AC/DC, and DC/AC). They ensure grid stability by regulating voltage, current, and power flow, making the energy system more reliable and resilient.
SAFEPOWER is working to develop the next generation of MVDC converters by exploring innovative digital and emerging technologies. This effort aims to enhance the security, reliability, and affordability of these systems, supporting Europe’s shift toward a sustainable energy future.
The SAFEPOWER research activities
Project organisation and establishing criteria for results assessment
WP2
The Consortium will outline the technological requirements, identify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), evaluate the project’s solutions costs, and analyse the project’s environmental impact using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach.
All this information provides essential inputs regarding eco-design and cost-effective manufacturing.
C&HM research activities to ensure the converter enters limb mode
WP3
Those activities include everything from the module to the die level, online junction temperature and degradation monitoring employing both conventional and unconventional methods, maintenance planning and prediction based on soft computing, data-driven and PoF-driven approaches, and an intelligent digital twin.
Design and manufacture of improved and enhanced SiC MOSFETs
WP4
The improved SiC MOSFETs will integrated Schottky-Barrier Diodes (SBD), used as both transistors and free-wheeling devices; JFETs, used as a DC breaker, and high voltage/ high temperature / low inductance packaging.
Design and manufacture of Ga₂O₃ based lateral MOSFETs
WP5
The design and manufacturing will include diodes, JFETs (DC breakers), and the packaging based on the work done in the WP4.
New converter topologies or modules for MVDC applications
WP6
The advantages of all improvements made in activities WP3-WP5 will be used to adapt the power converter control strategy and propose new converter topologies for MVDC applications.
Technological demonstration realised in several pilots
WP7
In accordance with the identified KPIs, the various prototypes will be tested and redesigned in their respective WPs to achieve the expected results at TRL5 in a laboratory-controlled environment and at TRL6 in a relevant environment.
The SAFEPOWER support activities
Project administrative and financial management
WP1
WP1 encompasses the financial, administrative and contractual components, including the risk monitoring and mitigation during the SAFEPOWER project. Clear management structures and techniques will be put in place to build the framework for effortless implementation of the project goals.
Project communication, dissemination, and exploitation
WP8
WP8 aims to maximize the project’s impact through an effective communication and dissemination strategy. Objectives include promoting the SAFEPOWER project, utilizing social media and conferences, and ensuring the transfer of knowledge and insights to stakeholders.
Research Pillars and related Pilots/Demonstrators
Pillar I
Condition & Health Monitoring Techniques
PILOT 1
Tj online monitoring
PILOT 2
Non-invasive
degradation & aging analysis
Pillar II
SiC Devices Improvements
PILOT 3
Improved WBG
technology for MVDC
Pillar III
Ga₂O₃ Devices Prospection
PILOT 4
Improved UWBG
technology for MVDC
Pillar IV
Advanced Controls & New Converter Topologies
PILOT 5
Converter using
some investigated concepts