DOE awards almost $1 million to UA researcher

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $997,588 to Xiaoqing Song, a University of Arkansas assistant professor of electrical engineering, for research that could lead to smaller and more reliable fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.

The project aims to develop a prototype for high-voltage power modules using silicon carbide, a wide-bandgap semiconductor that can handle higher voltages and temperatures than silicon. Song’s research is focused on power modules, which control the flow of electricity by rapidly switching currents on and off. Song is also director of the Power Switch Lab

“The current power modules are usually limited to 10 kilovolts,” Song said. “We want to bolster the voltage level to a higher level, like to 15 kilovolts or even higher.”

Electric vehicle fast chargers currently use several lower-voltage power modules connected in series to achieve the required voltage level.

“Just one module could replace many low-voltage components, so the circuit would be easier to design. And the EV charger would also be smaller,” Song said.

With fewer components, the charger would also be more efficient and reliable. High-voltage power modules also could be used to make electrical grids more efficient. The research will be conducted in collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn., which has experience in power modules.

“After we develop this power module, we can send it to their lab so they can validate it in some real applications,” Song said.

The grant for the project was issued by the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity. Alan Mantooth, distinguished professor of electrical engineering, and Keisha Walters, professor of chemical engineering, are co-investigators on the grant.