Structural and Functional Integration for Power Converters To investigate the application of advanced manufacturing techniques to the fabrication and automated assembly of highly integrated power converters. Dr Xi Lin PEMC Research Group, University of Nottingham With support from MTC Technology Maturation Officer (TBC) and industrial partners (TBC) Potential collaboration with Additive Manufacturing Group at Nottingham and Welding Group at Manchester

Project Plans & Objectives  To understand current practice of the manufacture of power conversion equipment, associated limitations and bottle necks which affect yield, reliability and cost.  To evaluate opportunities for improvements in manufacture, with a view to increased automation and to demonstrate one of the identified techniques.  To investigate advanced manufacturing techniques which will aid the manufacture of miniaturised, high density power converter through integration of electrical, mechanical and thermal components during manufacturing.

Potential Outcomes & Exploitation Plans  Report/publication detailing current manufacturing practice and its limitations.  Report/publication detailing opportunities for automated manufacture of power converters using detailed case studies.  Hardware demonstration of most promising techniques for automated manufacture.  Report/publication detailing capabilities and strategies for manufacturing ultra-integrated compact power converters.  Hardware demonstration of most promising techniques for manufacture of ultra-compact converters.