RePowerSiC

Summary:

High-power laser transmission (HPLT) is one of the most promising wireless power transfer technologies due to its ability to efficiently transmit energy in space, opening the path to new potential applications. The HPLT uses monochromatic light to transfer energy to a remote system via a laser power converter (LPC). Today, GaAs LPCs possess record efficiencies, with values around 69% at intensities around 11 W/cm2. However, they are limited by a strong decrease in the efficiency with light intensity due to the unavoidable series resistance losses caused by their low energy gap (Egap).

RePowerSiC aims to develop a novel high-efficiency laser converter for intensities around 1kW/cm2, which will create a breakthrough in HPLT. The project tackles current HPLT limitations using two strategies: i) introducing new materials with higher energy gaps and ii) developing novel LPC architectures. RePowerSiC is based on silicon carbide (SiC) poly types with Egap > 2.3 eV (50% higher than for GaAs) and on innovative device architectures with Rs~10-4Ohm cm2 (>10 times larger than GaAs). This revolutionary technology seeks to: i) obtain a power converter with an efficiency > 80%, ii) increase the power density transferred more than 1 order of magnitude when compared to the current technology, and iii) the development of a green material manufacturing technology for eco-friendlier and cheaper devices.

RePowerSiC project offers a paradigm shift transferring power in the order of kilowatts or higher thanks to its scalability. The larger power density will allow to reduce the LPC surface and the battery size, or even remove it completely. This high-risk/high-gain technology offers new disruptive solutions to power remote systems, being of great interest for satellites, landers, rovers, and in-space energy transmission for innovative applications. It also creates a new technology avenue in SiC materials and opens new domains of application.