PCIM Asia Conference’s 2024 keynote headlines

Following the format of its sister event, PCIM Expo & Conference in Nuremberg, Germany, PCIM Asia combines an exhibition and a conference. This integration creates a unified platform where industry professionals, researchers and technical experts can exchange information on developments in power electronics technologies and support their implementation in new applications.

The 2024 show is set to welcome more than 220 international and domestic exhibitors, while the three-day conference will feature over 100 presentations detailing research breakthroughs and applied solutions across the power electronics value chain. Anchoring each day’s conference programme will be a keynote session, held in Meeting Room 9C of the fairground, addressing key developments in the industry:

‘Power semiconductors for an energy-wise society - A brief review of IEC whitepaper’, presented by Gourab Majumdar, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Japan

Dr Majumdar will present a comprehensive overview of the recent IEC white paper, ‘Power semiconductors for an energy-wise society’, examining the various market-oriented roles that power-semiconductors play across a range of industries and their importance in shaping an ‘energy-wise’ society. The presentation will explore the current and future applications of power electronics and power semiconductor devices, discuss the need for new standards to govern their development, and propose key recommendations to policymakers, regulators, and the industry at large.

‘Solid state transformer in modern power system’, presented by Dianguo Xu, Harbin Institute of Technology, China

In this keynote, Prof Dianguo Xu will discuss the potential of solid-state transformers, an emerging technology which improves upon the efficiency of conventional transformers, offering flexible voltage and power regulation capabilities. He will address their advantages and applications in areas such as electric vehicle charging, data centres, traction power supplies, photovoltaic power generation and hybrid AC/DC networks. Key technical challenges will also be covered, including efficiency optimisation, power density improvements, output voltage adjustment techniques and design considerations concerning materials, structure and heat dissipation in medium-frequency transformers.

‘Power semiconductors applications within future renewable energy and electrification industry’, presented by Rainer Kaesmaier, Hitachi Energy, Switzerland

Dr Kaesmaier will explain, from a system provider’s perspective, how power semiconductor technologies are facilitating the renewable energy transition. His presentation will cover the transformation of electrical networks from generation through to distribution, highlighting the need to re-define electrical grids on both a geographic and conceptual level. Technological trends in green mobility, including advancements in rail systems and electric vehicles will be addressed, alongside evolutionary developments in chip design, module design, and materials including silicon carbide (SiC).

A variety of oral and poster sessions will round out the conference. These will cover topics including Si devices, e-mobility, power conversion, wide bandgap technologies, packaging, peripheral components and circuitry, smart grids and more.

In recognition of the achievements showcased throughout the Conference, PCIM Asia will once again honour outstanding research, innovation and emerging talent in the field of power electronics through its awards programme. Prof Dr Leo Lorenz, President of ECPE and Chairman of the PCIM Asia Advisory Board will present the following distinctions:

• Best Paper Award - Sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics (Shanghai) Co Ltd
• University Scientist Award – Five recipients, sponsored by Infineon Technologies China Co Ltd
• Young Engineer Award – Sponsored by Semikron Danfoss