High Power Semiconductor Markets and Evaluation Method

With the advent of wide-bandgap power semiconductors, SiC power devices have so far been mainly concentrated in the home appliance and electric vehicle markets. However, as the industry has recently experienced market stagnation such as the electric vehicle chasm, the limitations of SiC power semiconductors have begun to emerge. Nevertheless, with the emergence of next-generation power grid markets based on renewable energy, SiC power semiconductors are once again expected to see significant market expansion. 

To accommodate and convert the large power capacities associated with renewable energy, high-power semiconductors capable of handling correspondingly high voltages and currents are essential. The high-power semiconductor market is highly likely to expand toward voltage classes of 10 kV and beyond. In preparation for this new era, it is necessary to proactively lead research and development in high-power semiconductors. In this presentation, we aim to examine the role of high-power semiconductors within emerging renewable energy–based power grids and to discuss their future prospects.