The Role of Power Electronics in Advancing Green Manufacturing

One of the leading automotive technology companies, Valeo and ROHM Semiconductor collaborate to propose and optimize the next generation of power modules for electric motor inverters, leveraging their combined expertise in power electronics management. ROHM Semiconductor, a major semiconductor and electronic component manufacturer, will offer Valeo a two-in-one Silicon Carbide molded module for future powertrain solutions.

“This partnership marks, for Valeo Power Division, a significant step forward in delivering advanced and high-efficient power electronics,” says Xavier DUPONT, Valeo Power Division CEO.

“We are pleased to support Valeo, a renowned automotive supplier, with our power semiconductors. ROHM’s TRCDRIVE pack provides high power density, leading to an improved power efficiency. Together, we contribute to the development of highly efficient powertrains by fostering the collaboration with Valeo,” says Wolfram HARNACK, President ROHM Semiconductor GmbH.

Green manufacturing has become one of the critical focus areas in the global effort for mitigating climate transformation & preserve resources. It includes utilizing processes as well as systems which decrease waste, reduce energy consumption, and incorporate renewable energy sources. By providing advanced solutions for energy conversion, control & optimization power electronics play a major role in enabling these goals. Power electronics serves as the cornerstone of sustainable industry practice by facilitating the seamless integration of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency as well as decreasing emissions. In this article let us look at the role of power electronics in advancing green manufacturing.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing

Energy efficiency is one of the cornerstones of green manufacturing and power electronics plays a major role in achieving it. While manufacturing processes involve heavy machinery & equipment which consume substantial amounts of energy, power electronics optimizes these systems for decreasing wastage and enhancing performance. VFDs for instance are used widely in industrial motors for adjusting their speed as per the load requirements. VFDs reduce energy consumption  significantly by eliminating motors from running at full capacity unnecessarily. Similarly advanced inverters as well as converters ensure efficient energy transfer in processes such as cooling, heating, lighting & minimizing losses as well as improving overall efficiency.   

Furthermore, power electronics enables holistic energy management in the process of manufacturing and manufacturing in addition to optimizing individual equipment. Energy monitor systems that are powered by advanced electronics render real-time insights into energy usage patterns which helps manufacturers to identify inefficiencies as well as implement corrective measures and these not only decrease operational costs but also contribute to the broader objective of reduce carbon footprint. Power electronics will remain as an indispensable tool to achieve sustainable manufacturing practices since industries continue to prioritize energy efficiency.

In September this year, the groundbreaking ceremony for the country’s 1^st Silicon Carbide manufacturing facility to be set up by RIR Power Electronics was held at the EMC Park, Infovalley, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi said, “The establishment of RIR Power Electronics Ltd.’s facility is another notable step in our ongoing journey to make Odisha a leading semiconductor hub in India. This new facility will not only create state-of-the-art products but also open up a wealth of opportunities for our talented youth, providing them with avenues to work at the cutting edge of technology right here in Odisha.”

Facilitating Renewable Energy Integration

The ability of power electronics in integrating renewable energy sources into industrial operations is a significant contribution of it to green manufacturing. Renewable energy sources such as solar & wind have gained prominence as industries look for decreasing their reliance on fossil fuels. However, the intermittent nature of such sources leads to challenges for their direct use in manufacturing. For example, solar panels generate DC that should be converted to AC for industrial applications and this conversion is managed by inverters efficiently, to ensure a stable as well as reliable energy supply.

As a critical component of renewable energy systems power electronics also helps energy storage. Advanced battery-managed systems leverage power electronics for storing surplus energy generated during periods of high manufacturing & release it during low-energy periods. This helps in ensuring a consistent power supply & mitigates the variability of renewable sources. Furthermore, grid-tied renewable energy systems rely on power electronics for synchronization which further helps in ensuring that energy from either solar of wind farms can be integrated into the current grid infrastructure seamlessly.

"Power electronics are transforming how we approach energy systems, enhancing grid stability and supporting the global shift toward sustainable energy," said Niklas Persson, Managing Director, Business Unit Grid Integration, Hitachi Energy.

Electrification of industrial process

Electrification is one of the key strategies in green manufacturing as it decreases the dependence on fossil fuels as well as aligns with global efforts for decarbonizing industries. Power electronics also play a major role in this transition by facilitating the usage of electric-powered systems & equipment. Processes such as heating, transportation as well as material handling are being electrified using advanced power electronic technologies. For instance, induction heating provides an energy efficient alternative to conventional heating methods. By leveraging electromagnetic fields for generating heat, this process alleviates the requirement for fossil fuels & reduces energy wastage significantly.

Power electronics is at the center of green manufacturing it enables industries in achieving sustainability even without compromising efficiency or productivity. The applications of power electronics in renewable energy integration, waste management, process electrification and energy efficiency highlight its transformative potential. Although challenges such as technical complexities, high costs remain the advancements in materials, Artificial Intelligence as well as government support are making way for broader adoption. Since industries prioritize environmental responsibility, across the world, power electronics will continue to play a major role in shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing.