HOPE - High Density Power Electronics for FC- and ICE-Hybrid Electric Vehicle Powertrains (FP6-019848)

Project Summary and Objectives

According to the "Joint Call on component development and system integration of hydrogen and fuel cells for transportation and other applications" the main aim is to develop generic technology and modular systems - built up from components that can be manufactured in essentially similar configurations, but with different qualities, to meet the specific performance, lifetime and cost requirements of the different applications (e.g. FC stacks, membrane electrode assemblies, batteries, power electronics)".

The project HOPE is addressing power electronics. It is based on previous EU research projects like the recently finished FP5 HIMRATE (high-temperature power modules), FP5 PROCURE (high-temperature passive components), and MEDEA+ HOTCAR (high-temperature control electronics) and other EU and national research projects.

The general objectives of HOPE are: Cost reduction; meet reliability requirements; reduction of volume and weight. This is a necessity to bring the Fuel Cell (FC) hybrid vehicles and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) hybrid vehicles to success.