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Warwick University is home to the Energy
Conversion Research Group where lead-
ing research on power electronics is per-
formed. Significant investment from the
UK government and industry has con-
tributed to the development of a silicon
carbide dedicated cleanroom and a pow-
er electronics laboratory. Research into
power electronics for automotive and en-
ergy transmission/distributtion systems
has recently been funded leading to a
centre of excellence in power electronics.
The Energy Conversion Research Group
at Warwick University is engaged in the
following research activities
Silicon Carbide:
The European Regional Development
Fund together with the West-Mindlands
Regional Development Agency have in-
vested over £10 million into the develop-
ment of a silicon carbide dedicated pro-
cessing facility at Warwick University.
Using wide bandgap semiconductors like
silicon carbide, significant improvements
in the efficiency of energy conversion can
be achieved. Energy efficient power con-
verters for automotive and power sys-
tems based on silicon carbide are conti-
nously being demonstrated.
Vehicle Electrical Systems Integration:
This project was funded by the British
government to the tune of over £3 mil-
lion. The project involves the develop-
ment and optimization of Electric Vehicle
systems architecture for improved energy
conversion and management. Research
into silicon carbide. Prof. Mawby is lead-
ing a consortium of several UK universi-
ties in delivering this project.
High Voltage SiC Devices for the
Future Grid:
Warwick University has also recieved
funding from the British government to
develop the SiC power devices for the
future electrical grid. With the increased
integration of renewable energy into the
grid, advanced power electronics will be
required to ensure stability, controllabil-
ity and flexibility especially since energy
sources are intermittent and unpredict-
able.
Advanced Packaing Technology:
The Energy conversion group at Warwick
University also conducts research into ad-
vanced packaging solutions for high tem-
perature/high frequency applications.
The packaging cleanroom has recently
been opened for this purpose.
Converteam/Royal Academy of
Engineering Research Chair:
Prof. Phil Mawby occupies a Royal Acade-
my of Engineering Chair as well as a
Converteam Research Chair. He is the
founder of the Energy Conversion Re-
search Group at Warwick University and
has worked with several industrial part-
ners in the automotive and renewable
energy sectors. He is principal investiga-
tor of several projects funded by the
government and industry.
University of Warwick
