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aluminum for heatsinks. The decreased need for cooling solutions also creates even more energy-efficient systems. Studies indicate that cooling accounts for roughly 40% of the energy consumed in data centers. By reducing the need for cooling, SiC reduces energy requirements for power systems, making them even more sustainable. Finally, the improved durability of SiC results in fewer failures in the field and less time, material, and effort spent on repairs. With exceptional temperature tolerance and high breakdown voltages, SiC devices have a longer mean time between failure, making for more reliable and sustainable systems. Beyond the devices themselves, SiC contributes to a more sustainable future by enabling new sustainable applications like EVs and renewable energy. In EVs, designers use SiC to create more efficient and power-dense systems for applications including onboard charging, battery systems, and traction inverters. Additionally, SiC supports the current EV trend of transitioning from 400V to 800V architectures, which enables more efficient vehicle systems by decreasing power distribution losses at higher voltages. With the power density and efficiency benefits from SiC, designers can create EVs that charge faster, are more reliable, and have longer driving ranges. In renewables, SiC devices are increasing the efficiency of technologies like solar panels and wind turbines. Designers strive to use high-voltage distribution systems to maximize solar and wind efficiency. Fewer IR drops are incurred during power transmission at high voltages, improving overall system efficiency. SiC devices help support this transition to higher-power renewable C h a p t e r 2 | A c h i e v i n g a S u s t a i n a b l e F u t u r e w i t h S i C SiC is an enabler for the entire electrification agenda and is being adopted in EV charging infrastructure, data centers, industrial machines, trains, and more. As the technology matures, other applications might come into scope, like haulage and shipping, wind and solar power converters, HVDC, and possibly even all-electric aircraft." Peter Gammon Professor of Power Electronic Devices, University of Warwick 13 Enabling a Sustainable Future with Silicon Carbide Power Electronics
