Center for Power Electronics Materials and Manufacturing Exploration
Stored: Center for Power Electronics Materials and Manufacturing Exploration
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Center for Power Electronics Materials and Manufacturing Exploration (APEX) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. APEX focuses on pioneering new materials and manufacturing processes for power electronics to support a sustainable and resilient energy future.
Mission
APEX's mission is to drive innovation in power electronics by exploring new materials and manufacturing methods that can withstand the thermal and power demands of modern energy systems. This research is pivotal for advancing grid infrastructure, electric vehicle technology, and industrial applications, aiming for significant improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness"Innovative Materials and Scalable Manufacturing Pathways: New NREL Research Center To Look Toward the Future of Renewable Energy". National Renewable Energy Laboratory. https://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2020/nrel-selected-to-lead-new-center-for-power-electronics-materials-and-manufacturing-exploration.html..
Parent organization
APEX is led by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which is managed by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy for the U.S. Department of Energy. This relationship situates APEX within a broader context of renewable energy research.
Legislation
APEX was established through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, specifically as part of the Energy Frontier Research Centers initiative, without specific legislative action.
Partners
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Morgan State University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Colorado School of Mines
- University of Virginia
- Kyma Technologies"Innovative Materials and Scalable Manufacturing Pathways: New NREL Research Center To Look Toward the Future of Renewable Energy". National Renewable Energy Laboratory. https://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2020/nrel-selected-to-lead-new-center-for-power-electronics-materials-and-manufacturing-exploration.html.
Number of employees
The exact number of employees isn't specified, but APEX involves a collaborative team from various institutions.
Organization structure
APEX's structure revolves around:
- **Research Areas**: Focusing on material selection, interface design, and manufacturing scalability.
- **Interdisciplinary Teams**: Combining expertise from materials science, physics, and engineering.
Leader
APEX is led by a [Director].
Divisions
- Novel Materials for Power Electronics - Advanced Interfaces and Substrates - Scalable Manufacturing Technologies"Innovative Materials and Scalable Manufacturing Pathways: New NREL Research Center To Look Toward the Future of Renewable Energy". National Renewable Energy Laboratory. https://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2020/nrel-selected-to-lead-new-center-for-power-electronics-materials-and-manufacturing-exploration.html.
List of programs
- Exploration of new power electronic materials
- Development of manufacturing techniques for high-efficiency power components
- Research into substrates and interfaces for enhanced performance
Last total enacted budget
APEX was awarded $13.9 million over four years (2020-2024) by the U.S. Department of Energy"Innovative Materials and Scalable Manufacturing Pathways: New NREL Research Center To Look Toward the Future of Renewable Energy". National Renewable Energy Laboratory. https://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2020/nrel-selected-to-lead-new-center-for-power-electronics-materials-and-manufacturing-exploration.html..
Staff
APEX involves researchers, scientists, and engineers from NREL and its partner organizations.
Funding
Funding for APEX comes from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, aimed at advancing power electronics technology.
Services provided
APEX provides research services concentrated on materials science, interface engineering, and manufacturing innovations to develop power electronics that are more efficient, reliable, and suitable for future energy systems.
Regulations overseen
APEX does not oversee regulations but conducts research that could shape future standards in power electronics and energy systems.
Headquarters address
15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, CO 80401
History
APEX was established to address the need for advanced materials and manufacturing in power electronics, leveraging NREL's expertise in renewable energy technologies. Its inception marks a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of power systems in the context of global energy transitions.