Post by AAU Energy

𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐬 We are in the midst of a massive electrification of everything from transportation to data centres. However, while demand is skyrocketing, we still rely on substrate materials that struggle to handle high temperatures, remove heat efficiently, and are difficult to recycle.   This hinders both the performance and the sustainability of the power electronic circuit we are using today.   In the new GRACE project, an interdisciplinary team of researchers from Aalborg University is set to change that by replacing conventional composites and ceramic substrates in power electronics with specially engineered glass.   By tailoring the chemical composition, the researchers can create glass with properties suited for high temperatures, better heat conduction, and improved compatibility with other materials, making power electronic systems more robust and reliable.   The true breakthrough, however, lies in circularity: The fracture properties of glass – often seen as a disadvantage – can in fact enable controlled disassembly at the end of an electronic system’s lifespan, allowing components to be recovered for reuse and materials to be remelted and recycled in a closed-loop system.   At Institut for Kemi og Biovidenskab, Aalborg Universitet, researchers led by Professor Morten Mattrup Smedskjaer design new types of glass using simulations and experiments. At Institut for Elektroniske Systemer, AAU, researchers led by Assistant Professor Rocío Rodríguez Cano develop methods to integrate the glass into complex multilayer structure systems. At AAU Energy, researchers led by Associate Professor Ariya Sangwongwanich and Associate Professor Hongbo Zhao assess reliability and circularity to ensure the technology can perform in real-world energy systems.   Project Manager Ariya Sangwongwanich explains:   “We need to collaborate from day one because materials, packaging, and power electronics are closely interconnected. The way we design the glass directly influences how the system can be built and how reliable it will be. That is why system requirements must guide material choices from the outset. As not every requirement can be optimised simultaneously, the teams will continuously refine their solutions through feedback and iteration.”   A huge thank you to Novo Nordisk Foundation for the grant, which makes it possible to gather strong interdisciplinary competencies in this project.