Bristol scientists develop ‘industry-changing’ process to supercharge zero carbon emission technology

Scientists at Bristol University are developing a process they say is a “game-changer” for more sustainable and affordable future energy supply.

Power transformers currently the size of shipping containers that are delivering energy to homes and businesses across the UK could be shrunk to the size of a suitcase thanks to the technique that deploys a new supercharged material with unprecedented levels of efficiency.

Project lead Martin Kuball says the work being developed by a team of leading scientists is a “hugely exciting and urgently needed opportunity”.

It comes at a time when the need to reduce energy consumption has never been greater amid an ever-increasing need to cut carbon emissions and fuel costs soar.

The 20-strong team of researchers have installed the UK’s first-ever machine to make layers of gallium oxide, a wonder semiconductor that forms the crucial component of future revolutionary power devices with the potential to cut overall energy usage by around 20 per cent in both domestic and industrial settings.

Kuball, a professor of physics and Royal Academy of Engineering chair in emerging technologies, explains: “With the push to introduce more efficient power electronics and advanced renewable technologies amidst the pressing climate crisis, this presents a game-changer for more sustainable and affordable future energy supply.

“At present, nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of global primary energy consumption is wasted. While most low-carbon technology still relies on silicon-based electronic devices, we are slowly starting to see this replaced with semiconductors made from gallium nitride and silicon carbide.

“As action to reduce our carbon footprint accelerates, a stronger focus on developing devices based on gallium oxide must happen and we are committed to progressing this at scale and speed.”

In recent years, significant advances have been made to replace silicon-based power electronics with new devices made of so-called wide bandgap semiconductors. This makes them much smaller and more efficient.

But challenges remain to successfully convert high voltages cost-effectively with minimum energy loss.

Bristol University scientists are developing the MOCVD machine to produce gallium oxide – photo: Cohen Rautenkranz, Agnitron Technology

The university’s new metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) machine, which can grow gallium oxide, presents a compelling solution to this problem, say scientists.

The machine will be activated this month and the aim is to have the first gallium oxide-based components within the next few months, putting the international team at the forefront of making energy-efficient power devices of the future.

The technology not only means power distribution networks will waste much less energy, but they could also look very different.

Kuball adds: “Existing power converting units, often found in our streets, are container-size. Taking this technology to the next level could see them reduced to the size of a suitcase.

“You could then build distributed power networks, or smart grids, because the compact proportions make it possible to have more of them widely distributed. This would lower the risk of power outages for large parts of the town or city, as is presently the case when a power line goes down. The advantages of gallium oxide-based technology are vast. Now more than ever we must develop and refine the processes to fully realise this.”

Main photo: Professor Martin Kuball, University of Bristol

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