Ultra-Efficient Ultra-Wide Load Range Power Conversion Platform For DC Building Applications (ARD/262) | ASTRI - Hong Kong Applied Science And Technology Research Institute Company Limited

Project Title:

Ultra-Efficient Ultra-Wide Load Range Power Conversion Platform for DC Building Applications (ARD/262)

Project Reference:

ARD/262

Project Type:

Seed

Project Period:

01 / 03 / 2021 - 30 / 11 / 2021

Funds Approved (HK$’000):

2,782.885

Project Coordinator:

Dr Tin Ho LI

Deputy Project Coordinator:

Deliverable:

Research Group:

Sponsor:

Vitelic Technology (International) Limited

Description:

The project objective is to research and develop a new 3-phase AC/DC power electronics converter platform to achieve 97% power conversion efficiency at light load (i.e. 10% load) for building application. A new digital control solution will also be developed correspondingly to adapt with large step load conditions. The project will support ASTRI’s technology roadmap on DC building power supply technologies in increasing power rating and extended application scenario. Efficient use of energy with reduced environmental pollution is an inevitable challenge for sustainable development of smart city. Power consumption profile of buildings is highly related to human activities and could be very different from other applications. Due to the “regular” lifestyle of people, ~20hrs/day in residential flat is consuming light load in city / country like Hong Kong and Singapore. Commercial & industry buildings are in similar situation. By estimation, a 10% improvement of light load efficiency in residential buildings in Hong Kong can help to reduce ~869M kWh and ~246k Tonne CO2e per year. It makes a big impact to save our environment particularly in the highly concerned global warming issue today. With the success of the project, in near term, it can strengthen ASTRI’s innovative DC building power technologies leadership in Hong Kong and GBA; in the long run, it can educate the public of “new” energy saving and protection technologies. It also supports smart city development without sacrificing the environment.

Co-Applicant:

Keywords:

More about ASTRI

Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness through applied research. ASTRI’s core R&D competence in various areas is grouped under five Technology Divisions: Advanced Electronic Components and Systems; Artificial Intelligence and Trust Technologies; Communications Technologies; Innovative Mind; and IoT Sensing and AI Technologies. It is applied across six core areas which are Smart City, Financial Technologies, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Digital Health, Application Specific Integrated Circuits and Metaverse.

Over the years, ASTRI has nurtured a pool of research, I&T talents and received numerous international awards for its pioneering innovations as well as outstanding business and community contributions. As of 2023/24, ASTRI has transferred more than 1,500 technologies to the industry and has been granted over 1,100 patents in the Mainland, the US, and other countries.

As a Hong Kong R&D centre, one of ASTRI’s important goals is to help customers harness business opportunities from the thriving technology market and increase their competitive strengths. Customers and partners can improve their efficacy by drawing on ASTRI’s expertise and research achievements.