Articles tagged with "power-electronics"
BYD Launching Product Updates at the Speed of Cell Phones - CleanTechnica
The article discusses BYD's innovative approach to product updates, likening it to the rapid, frequent refresh cycles typical of cell phones rather than the traditional annual automotive model updates. BYD is increasingly launching major technology and capability improvements multiple times a year, which accelerates the pace of innovation and changes how consumers engage with new vehicle models. However, this approach presents challenges, such as customer dissatisfaction when significant upgrades are announced shortly after purchases, and the "Osborne Effect," where potential buyers delay purchases in anticipation of upcoming models, potentially impacting current sales. BYD's new electric vehicles (BEVs) are seeing substantial enhancements, including increased power, efficiency, range, and reduced weight, likely driven by new battery technology and a next-generation EV platform. For example, one model’s top rear-wheel-drive trim power increased from 180 kW to 270 kW, with range extending from 605 km to 710 km, all while shedding weight. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyEV-platformpower-electronicsmotor-technologyautomotive-innovation500x more powerful: US' GridEdge Analyzer processes 60,000 measurements
Researchers from the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed the Universal GridEdge Analyzer, a compact and secure sensing device that provides unprecedented real-time insight into electric grid behavior. This device can be embedded into power electronics or plugged into a wall outlet to measure minute changes in electrical voltage and current at an extraordinary rate of 60,000 measurements per second—500 times faster than previous technologies. The analyzer captures split-second reactions from fast-switching power electronics, which are increasingly used in distributed energy resources and can impact grid stability. By compressing, encrypting, and streaming data almost instantly to centralized servers, the device enables utilities to monitor and improve grid operations more effectively. Building on the existing FNET/GridEye frequency monitoring network, which offers a broad overview of grid activity through 200 sensors in the U.S. and about 100 worldwide, the GridEdge Analyzer delivers more detailed and faster data. Its flexible design allows deployment in various settings, including power electronics, distribution lines
energysmart-gridpower-electronicsreal-time-monitoringdistributed-energy-resourcesgrid-stabilitypredictive-analyticsXPENG Compact SUV Prototype Spotted Outside of Facilities in Guangzhou - CleanTechnica
The article reports on a camouflaged prototype of a compact SUV/CUV from XPENG spotted outside the company’s new headquarters and factory in Guangzhou. This vehicle, sometimes referred to as the Mona SUV, appears to have a smaller footprint and shorter overhangs compared to the Mona sedan. Rumored to launch by mid-2026 with a price around $20,000, the SUV is expected to feature lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries due to their cost-effectiveness and safety benefits. Additional anticipated technologies include XPENG’s Hybrid SiC power electronics and advanced XNGP ADAS driver-assistance systems. The presence of the prototype at events attended by mostly European and Asia-Pacific media suggests XPENG’s intent to generate interest in foreign markets, especially Europe, where their larger models may be less practical. The compact crossover format aligns well with market trends and regional preferences for smaller vehicles. The author notes the prototype’s advanced development stage, with well-designed interiors and functional mechanical systems, indicating XP
energyelectric-vehiclesLFP-batteriespower-electronicsautomotive-technologyXPENGhybrid-SiCNew silicon-powered electric motor could change aviation forever
A hybrid Cessna 337 aircraft in Southern California successfully completed a test flight using a new silicon carbide-based motor system developed by the University of Arkansas’ Power Group in collaboration with Ampaire and Wolfspeed. This system features a smaller, more efficient silicon carbide inverter that replaces traditional hybrid aircraft components, marking a significant advancement in energy-efficient aviation. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E, the project demonstrated that silicon carbide transistors, which switch up to 1,000 times faster than traditional silicon, can dramatically improve efficiency while reducing the size and weight of supporting electrical components—key benefits for aviation applications. Silicon carbide’s advantages include higher switching speeds and reduced energy loss, enabling lighter and more compact electrical systems that can enhance aircraft performance and passenger comfort. Despite historically high production costs, improvements in manufacturing are lowering expenses, making the technology attractive to major automakers and potentially transforming aviation. The test flight also addressed aviation-specific challenges such as vibration, landing shocks, and
energysilicon-carbideelectric-motoraviation-technologyhybrid-aircraftpower-electronicsenergy-efficiencyBYD Yuan Plus Transforms Under the Skin with 308 HP, RWD, & 800V Architecture - CleanTechnica
The refreshed BYD Yuan Plus (also known as Atto 3) has appeared in recent Chinese regulatory filings, revealing mostly minor exterior updates but significant underlying changes. Notably, BYD seems to have shifted the Yuan Plus from front-wheel drive (FWD) to rear-wheel drive (RWD), indicated by the repositioned charge port and the use of a more powerful 308 hp TZ200XYC permanent magnet synchronous motor previously reserved for RWD models like the Song L. This motor upgrade represents a substantial power increase of 107 hp over the current model. The RWD layout likely adds a front trunk ("frunk") and aligns with BYD’s integrated SiC power electronics design, which combines the onboard charger with the primary drive motor. Interior updates seen in the Chinese market include more mature styling, a heads-up display (HUD), a refrigerator, and relocating the shifter from the center console to the steering column, a trend spreading across BYD’s lineup. Improvements under the hood
energyelectric-vehiclesBYDbattery-technologyelectric-motorautomotive-innovationpower-electronicsBYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme Sets New Top Speed & Nürburgring Lap Records - CleanTechnica
BYD recently announced that its Yangwang U9 Xtreme hypercar set new records, including a top speed of 308.37 mph (approximately 496 km/h) and an electric vehicle (EV) lap record at the Nürburgring. These achievements not only provide BYD with significant bragging rights but also challenge the dominance of traditional fossil-fueled hypercars. The U9 Xtreme’s performance is powered by a 2220 kW (2977 hp) motor system paired with an 80 kWh battery featuring an advanced double-layer cooling structure that enables a 30C discharge rate, contributing to a 133% increase in power and a 40% improvement in heat exchange efficiency. The technological advancements in cooling and power electronics, including the use of silicon carbide (SiC) components, may have broader implications beyond the hypercar segment. BYD’s innovations could enhance the reliability and efficiency of mainstream electric vehicles, especially in extreme heat conditions, and potentially improve charging
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologycooling-systemspower-electronicsfast-chargingEV-performanceNew silicon carbide power module delivers 5x energy for grids
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed the Ultra-Low Inductance Smart (ULIS) power module, a compact silicon carbide device that delivers five times greater energy density than previous designs while being smaller and lighter. Operating at 1200 volts and 400 amps, ULIS is designed for high-intensity applications such as data centers, microreactors, next-generation aircraft, military vehicles, and power grids. Its key innovation lies in drastically reduced parasitic inductance—seven to nine times lower than current state-of-the-art modules—enabling ultrafast, ultraefficient electrical switching that maximizes usable power output and improves overall energy efficiency. ULIS features a unique flat, octagonal design that allows more semiconductor devices to be housed in a smaller footprint, enhancing compactness and weight reduction. This design also facilitates maximum magnetic flux cancellation, contributing to its low-loss, high-efficiency electrical performance. Additionally, ULIS incorporates advanced self-monitoring capabilities to predict component failures,
energysilicon-carbidepower-moduleenergy-densitypower-gridselectric-vehiclespower-electronicsUS firm's maglev ramp will fire rockets to orbit with almost no fuel
Auriga Space, a US-based company, is developing a magnetic launch track designed to accelerate rockets to hypersonic speeds using powerful electromagnets, aiming to reduce reliance on conventional rocket propellant. Their system will propel vehicles to six times the speed of sound before the rocket engine ignites for the final push into orbit, significantly improving launch efficiency and reducing costs. The launch track features a steep ramp for the final ascent and is designed to be rapidly reusable. Auriga plans to begin by serving hypersonic test customers with two upcoming test tracks: Prometheus (an indoor lab-scale track) and Thor (an outdoor full-scale hypersonic accelerator), with their orbital launch system, Zeus, slated for later development. The company has raised $6 million in funding, including a $4.6 million seed round led by OTB Ventures and $1.4 million in contracts from AFWERX and SpaceWERX, reflecting investor confidence in its technology. Auriga aims to address the US Space
energymagnetic-launch-technologyspace-launchhypersonic-testspropulsion-efficiencyreusable-launch-systempower-electronicsAuriga Space raises $6M to shoot rockets off an electromagnetic launch track
Auriga Space, a California-based startup, has raised $6 million to develop an innovative electromagnetic launch track designed to revolutionize space launches by significantly improving efficiency and reducing costs. Unlike traditional rockets that rely heavily on propellant to overcome Earth's gravity, Auriga’s system uses powerful magnets to accelerate a small rocket to hypersonic speeds along a ground-based track. The rocket exits the track at over six times the speed of sound and ignites its engine only for the final push to orbit. This approach not only saves propellant but also enables rapid reusability of the launch infrastructure. The company has raised a total of $12.2 million through venture capital and Department of Defense grants, with recent funding led by OTB Ventures. Auriga’s technology builds on concepts similar to rail guns and maglev systems but leverages recent advancements in power electronics to make the idea commercially viable. While the exact design parameters, such as track length and rocket size, are still being finalized, the company acknowledges challenges
energyelectromagnetic-launchrocket-technologyspace-launchpower-electronicshypersonic-speedreusable-launch-systems400 mph in 7 seconds: China tests world’s fastest maglev transport
China’s maglev research program has achieved a new speed milestone by accelerating a 1.1-tonne test vehicle to 650 km/h (about 404 mph) in just seven seconds over a 600-meter stretch on a 1-km demonstration track at Donghu Laboratory in Hubei Province. This sprint approach relies on electromagnetic propulsion and magnetic levitation, eliminating wheel-rail friction and allowing rapid acceleration and precise braking—stopping from top speed within 200 meters. The system’s high-resolution position control, accurate to within four millimeters, enables this compact high-speed profile, contrasting with traditional maglev tests that require much longer tracks. This breakthrough is part of China’s broader maglev ambitions, where the country already leads in commercial maglev route-kilometers, including the Shanghai Maglev operating at 430 km/h. The Donghu line is designed to support routine trials at 800 km/h once construction finishes later in 2025. Chinese research also explores even faster concepts
energyelectromagnetic-propulsionmaglev-trainhigh-speed-transportmagnetic-levitationpower-electronicstransportation-technologyUS labs build low-cost gallium nitride chips for next-gen radars
Researchers at MIT and partner institutions have developed a novel, low-cost fabrication process that integrates high-performance gallium nitride (GaN) transistors onto standard silicon CMOS chips. This breakthrough addresses previous challenges related to GaN’s high cost and specialized integration needs by using a scalable method compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing. The process involves creating many tiny GaN transistor "dielets," which are bonded onto silicon chips using a low-temperature copper-to-copper bonding technique. This approach maintains material functionality, reduces system temperature, and significantly enhances performance while keeping costs low. The team demonstrated the effectiveness of this hybrid chip technology by building a power amplifier that outperformed traditional silicon-based devices in signal strength and efficiency, indicating potential improvements in wireless communication such as better call quality, increased bandwidth, and longer battery life. The integration method avoids expensive materials and high temperatures, making it compatible with standard semiconductor foundries and promising broad applicability in commercial electronics. Additionally, the researchers suggest that this technology could support quantum computing applications due to
materialsgallium-nitridesemiconductorCMOSchip-fabricationpower-electronicsradar-systemsSCHURTER releases UHP high-current SMD fuse for humanoids - The Robot Report
SCHURTER, a Swiss technology components provider, has introduced the UHP high-current SMD fuse specifically designed for humanoid robots. This ultra-compact fuse protects critical battery systems and power electronics in space-constrained robotic platforms, ensuring stable and safe power delivery to components such as robotic limbs and embedded AI processors. With a rated current up to 100 A, breaking capacity up to 3000 A, and a wide operating temperature range (-55°C to +125°C), the UHP fuse supports high-density power architectures and is optimized for automated assembly, aligning with modern robot manufacturing processes. It is UL-listed, RoHS-compliant, and available in tape-and-reel packaging. The release of the UHP fuse comes amid growing commercial deployments and interest in humanoid robots from major companies like Hyundai, GXO, Schaeffler AG, and Figure AI, signaling a shift toward scaling production to meet increasing demand. Currently, many developers produce robot components in-house, but the availability of
robothumanoid-robotsSMD-fusebattery-protectionpower-electronicsrobotics-componentshigh-current-fuse