22/12-08   -   Press releases

Press release – Sweeping innovation in power electronics

Complementary competencies within piezoceramic technology, electro active polymer technology (DEAP) and electronics will ensure a sweeping innovation in power electronics. The new DEAP actuators with integrated high voltage piezo power supplies will, amongst others, replace pneumatic solutions in the medico industry.

The project is funded by the Danish Advanced Technology Foundation and will last for 3½ years.

Integrated power supply in laptops
The project is aiming at developing a compact, effective and low-priced DC-DC convertor based upon piezoelectric transformers integrated in an electro active polymer (DEAP) actuator. The DEAP technology may be used in a broad range of industries, e.g. as replacements of pneumatic solutions, in surgical tools, grippers for material handling and valve actuators.

Likewise, the potential industrial applications for the DC-DC convertor are unlimited, but one example is an integrated power supply in laptops.

New ultra compact, high effective and non-magnetic power supply
The basis of the innovation is a unique combination of complementary Danish competencies.

Noliac Group is world leading within the area of piezoceramic technology and has been involved in a number of international cooperation and development projects.

Today, Noliac designs, develops and produces the total spectrum of piezo products from piezoceramic materials to monolayer/ bulk and multilayer components to finished plug-and-play applications.

CEO/CTSO and founder of Noliac Bjørn Andersen:
- Based on Noliac’s patented piezoelectric ring transformer, we have developed a dynamic and innovative project group with a unique synergy. The funding from the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation gives an important boost to the development of the transformer technology.

Danfoss has developed a unique version of the electro active polymer technology, which single out for distinction by granting a very high performance and by being optimized for mass production. Danfoss PolyPower A/S is a newly established company aiming at commercializing the DEAP technology and continuing a strong international research and innovation activity.

Hans-Erik Kiil, Director R&D of Danfoss PolyPower:
- The DEAP technology has many potential industrial applications but without the news power supply it will not become a commercial success. Thus, the interaction between the three parts is a necessity.

The Electronics Group at DTU Electrical Engineering is a world expert in power electronics and has the leading national research expertise in this area.

Professor and Ph.D. Michael A. E. Andersen of DTU Electrical Engineering:
- The correlation between us and the two industrial partners will secure the necessary further development of the piezo technology and power electronics, and its integration in a DEAP actuator will ensure that the new ultra compact, high effective and non-magnetic power supply will become and significant commercial success world wide.

The project will imply a radical innovation of power electronics and secure that Denmark continuously will maintain a leading position in the area.

More information: http://www.noliac.com/Default.aspx?ID=7888