ABOUT THE PROJECT

Power converters are the backbone of our electrical systems – changing the voltage, frequency, or current to meet application specific needs. Once electricity is generated, it goes through many power converters before it finally charges an electric vehicle, powers a data center, or charges a phone. Each conversion step results in energy loss, usually as heat, which reduces the overall efficiency of the power conversion processes to below 80%.

Gallium oxide stands out among next-generation semiconductors for its unique physical properties and its ability support high voltages. Gallium oxide enables transistors and diodes to undergo extreme scaling, reducing the energy loss. The main challenge for implementing gallium oxide, however, is its poor thermal conductivity. Breakthrough Energy is supporting Gallox’s innovative work to efficiently remove heat from the devices.

Power converters with gallium oxide-based devices will not only improve efficiency, but by being more efficient will require less energy for cooling, helping our world achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.