Sustainable Power Electronics

Power electronics (PE) plays a key role in ensuring security of supply, reliability, and efficiency in our future sustainable energy systems. In this joint research project with the Technical University of Braunschweig (IMAB) and industry partners, we are investigating sustainable PE solutions. We analyze and quantify the potential environmental impacts of PE units, with a focus on manufacturing and recycling. We are addressing the following research questions: Which rare and valuable materials are wasted when a power electronics unit reaches the end of its service life and is disposed of in the conventional manner? How can we design power electronics systems so that reuse and, ultimately, recycling are economically viable and resource-efficient?