Articles tagged with "power-conversion"
Heron Power raises $140M to ramp production of grid-altering tech
Heron Power, a startup founded by former Tesla executive Drew Baglino, has raised $140 million in a Series B funding round to accelerate production of its solid-state transformers, branded as Heron Link. These transformers are designed to replace traditional iron-core transformers in data centers and the electrical grid, offering advantages such as smaller size, higher efficiency, and intelligent power management. The funding round was led by Andreessen Horowitz’s American Dynamism Fund and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, with participation from several other investors. The company plans to build a factory capable of producing 40 gigawatts of transformers annually, aiming to start pilot production in early 2027 and scale up over the next two years. Heron Power’s solid-state transformers address key challenges faced by data centers by converting medium voltage electricity to the 800-volt power required by modern server racks, handling up to 5 megawatts each. Their modular design allows for quick replacement of faulty components, reducing downtime compared to traditional transformers
energysolid-state-transformersdata-centerspower-conversiongrid-technologyrenewable-energylithium-ion-batteriesAs AI data centers hit power limits, Peak XV backs Indian startup C2i to fix the bottleneck
The article highlights a significant shift in AI data center scaling challenges, where power efficiency, rather than raw compute capacity, is becoming the primary bottleneck. Peak XV Partners has invested $15 million in a Series A round for C2i Semiconductors, an Indian startup developing integrated, plug-and-play power solutions aimed at reducing energy losses in AI infrastructure. C2i’s technology focuses on redesigning power delivery from the data center grid directly to GPUs, addressing inefficiencies in power conversion that currently waste 15-20% of energy. By integrating power conversion, control, and packaging into a unified platform, C2i aims to cut end-to-end energy losses by about 10%, which translates to substantial savings in power consumption, cooling costs, and overall operational expenses. Founded in 2024 by former Texas Instruments executives, C2i is preparing to validate its first silicon designs with major data center operators and hyperscalers by mid-2026. The startup has grown to a team of
energydata-centerspower-efficiencyAI-infrastructuresemiconductorsenergy-consumptionpower-conversionAcePower Partners with IMECAR to Accelerate Turkey’s EV Charging Infrastructure - CleanTechnica
AcePower, a prominent Chinese supplier of EV charger modules, has partnered with IMECAR, a leading Turkish EV equipment provider, to enhance Turkey’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Announced at the EV Charge Show 2025 in Istanbul, this collaboration will see AcePower supplying its advanced full-silicon carbide (SiC) high-efficiency charger modules to IMECAR. These modules improve charger performance and reliability, enabling faster deployment of ultra-fast charging stations across Turkey. IMECAR’s CEO highlighted that AcePower’s full-SiC technology not only boosts efficiency and product lifespan but also lowers initial investment costs for operators, facilitating quicker infrastructure rollouts. AcePower’s modules feature an innovative two-stage power conversion topology (PFC + LLC), delivering about 0.5% higher efficiency than traditional full-SiC designs, which translates into significant energy cost savings—for example, around $325 annually for a 120kW charger in China. Their next-generation 50 kW air-co
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-chargingsilicon-carbide-technologypower-conversionclean-energycharging-infrastructureUS firm's nuclear power push can overcome solar limits for deep space
US private space company Intuitive Machines has received an $8.2 million contract extension from the US Air Force Research Laboratory to advance the development of compact nuclear power conversion technology for space applications. This funding builds on a prior $9.5 million award and aims to accelerate the transition from design to flight-ready hardware. The technology centers on a Stirling-based power-conversion system that converts heat from a radioisotope source into electricity, enabling missions to overcome the limitations of solar power and operate for extended durations in deep space. Intuitive Machines plans to demonstrate this nuclear power system aboard the International Space Station, subjecting it to harsh space conditions to raise its technology readiness level from prototype to space-flown. This effort is part of the company’s broader START program, which focuses on scalable, compact, and continuous power solutions to support sustained lunar infrastructure and spacecraft operations. Having previously conducted lunar landings with its Nova-C landers, Intuitive Machines aims to evolve from lunar delivery missions to becoming a commercial
energynuclear-powerspace-technologyStirling-enginelunar-missionspower-conversionspace-infrastructureChina’s BYD targets next-gen grid storage with massive 14.5 MWh DC system
Chinese company BYD has introduced its Haohan battery system, setting a new standard for grid-scale energy storage with a minimum capacity of 14.5 MWh per unit—more than double the typical 6–7 MWh capacity of most large systems. The battery fits into a standard 20-foot container, delivering 10 MWh at a volumetric energy density of 233 kWh/m³, which is about 51% higher than the market average. Central to the system is BYD’s 2,710 Ah Blade Battery cell, claimed to be the world’s largest for energy storage, offering triple the capacity of typical cells, over 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, and lifetime energy costs below $0.014 per kWh. The design achieves 52% volumetric cell-to-system efficiency by minimizing unnecessary components, resulting in a compact, durable system that reduces failure rates and maintenance costs by approximately 70%. The Haohan system supports millisecond response times and gig
energygrid-storagebattery-technologyrenewable-energyenergy-management-systemspower-conversionenergy-efficiencyMore Than An EV Charger — It’s Peace Of Mind Wherever The Road Takes You - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the practical benefits of having a portable Level 1 electric vehicle (EV) charger, focusing on the Schumacher Electric SEV1670 model. While rapid charging often dominates EV discussions, the author emphasizes the convenience and peace of mind offered by a charger that can plug into standard indoor or outdoor outlets. Through personal anecdotes, the author illustrates how such a charger proved invaluable during trips, overnight stays, and even power outages, enabling reliable charging without dependence on fast chargers or public stations. This flexibility is especially useful for older EV models with limited range and in unexpected situations like power failures where gas stations may be non-operational. The Schumacher SEV1670 is a 12-amp portable charger compatible with most U.S. electric vehicles via a universal J1772 connector. Launched in May 2025, it features a 20-foot cord for accessibility, a durable rubber cover for protection against water and dirt, and built-in LED indicators for real-time charging status updates. Safety is a
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-chargerportable-chargerLevel-1-chargerSchumacher-Electricpower-conversionAcePower Launches New 50 kW Air-Cooled High-Efficiency Module to Accelerate Europe’s Fast-Charging Network Expansion
energycharging-infrastructurehigh-efficiency-modulesilicon-carbide-technologyfast-chargingpower-conversiongrid-stabilityAcePower Launches New 50 kW Air-Cooled High-Efficiency Module to Accelerate Europe’s Fast-Charging Network Expansion
energychargingefficiencysilicon-carbidefast-charginginfrastructurepower-conversion