Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology
Rising electricity demand and scarce resources are putting pressure on the existing power infrastructure
In light of the rapid expansion of data centers and the electrification of industry, the power infrastructure is coming under increasing pressure. Rising electricity demand, rising material costs, and shortages of critical resources such as copper and steel are calling for new technologies which are more energy- and resource-effient, resilient, compact and scalable.
BRICS is developing a modular and resource-efficient alternative to conventional transformers
BRICS is addressing this challenge by rethinking the design of power conversion systems. The project is developing a modular, standardized power converter technology that is more compact, efficient, flexible, and resource-efficient than conventional solutions based on 50-Hz transformers. By combining high-performance GaN-based power electronics, medium-voltage-isolated planar transformers, and an innovative “plug-and-play” architecture, BRICS enables scalable power supply systems that are easier to install, upgrade, and maintain.
Smart Power Electronic Building Blocks Simplify Power Conversion
The project focuses on a new generation of Power Electronic Building Blocks (PEBBs)—designed like Lego bricks for power conversion. These smart modules can automatically detect how they are connected and communicate without dedicated hardware, thereby reducing complexity, costs, and commissioning effort.
BRICS lays the foundation for commercially viable solid-state transformers
The result paves the way for commercially viable SSTs for data centers and other demanding applications, including the DC power industry, mobility, and charging infrastructure. BRICS helps pave the way for a future with lower energy losses, reduced material consumption, faster adoption, and interoperable power supply systems—thereby supporting both industrial competitiveness and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Our Solution Concept
GaN power semiconductors and planar transformers lay the foundation for compact and efficient SSTs
The solution concept is based on the hypothesis that GaN power semiconductors and planar transformers rated medium-voltage operation are key to high-performance and compact solid-state transformers (SSTs) with integrated communication. These technologies enable the development of fully modular and plug-and-play-capable SSTs.
Isolated DC/DC converters form the building blocks of future solid-state transformers
Leveraging these technologies, the BRICS project is developing MV-isolated DC/DC converters as building blocks for SSTs. The goal is to achieve scalable, standardized, and practical power conversion for future applications such as AI data centers.
Key Target Characteristics
BRICS is laying the technological groundwork for flexibly scalable SST systems
BRICS is thus laying the technological groundwork for modular SST systems that can be flexibly scaled and integrated into future energy supply infrastructures.