A new silicon-carbide power module developed by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) promises to revolutionize global energy efficiency. Named ULIS, this tiny innovation could squeeze far more usable power from existing electricity supplies, directly addressing the surging demands from AI-hungry data centers and electrified transport.
Global electricity demand is escalating rapidly, putting unprecedented pressure on power systems worldwide. Energy-intensive data centers supporting artificial intelligence, alongside expanding advanced manufacturing, are key drivers of this growth, making efficient energy use more critical than ever.
Meeting this demand requires more than simply generating additional electricity. A promising solution lies in using existing energy supplies far more efficiently and at lower cost. NREL’s ULIS module represents a significant step in this direction, offering a new approach to power conversion and delivery.
The ULIS breakthrough in power conversion
NREL researchers have developed ULIS as a silicon-carbide-based power module designed to dramatically improve how electricity is converted and delivered. According to a study published by ScienceDaily in January 2026, ULIS achieves record-breaking efficiency and higher power density. By using advanced silicon carbide semiconductors, it packs five times the energy density of earlier designs into a smaller, lighter, and cheaper package.
A core advantage of ULIS lies in its exceptionally low parasitic inductance. This resistance typically slows changes in electrical current, limiting efficient power conversion. ULIS reduces this resistance by seven to nine times compared with today’s most advanced silicon carbide power modules, allowing for incredibly fast and efficient current switching.
Faisal Khan, NREL’s chief power electronics researcher and principal investigator for the project, describes ULIS as a “true breakthrough”. He notes it is a “future-proofed, ultrafast power module that will make the next generation of power converters more affordable, efficient, and compact,” extracting significantly more value from the same energy supply.
Redefining reliability and applications
ULIS is designed not only for superior power module energy efficiency but also for reliability in demanding environments. Khan highlights the module’s ability to monitor its own condition and anticipate component failures, a crucial feature for high-risk applications such such as aviation and military operations where early detection can prevent catastrophic losses.
Much of ULIS’ performance comes from a radical new physical design. Unlike traditional modules that stack semiconductor devices, ULIS arranges its circuitry in a flat, octagonal layout. This disk-shaped structure maximizes component density while minimizing magnetic interference, leading to cleaner electrical output and higher overall efficiency.
Shuofeng Zhao, an NREL power electronics researcher, explained the innovative flux cancellation architecture. This design ensures that despite extremely fast switching speeds, the device avoids internal chokepoints. The 1200-volt, 400-amp module is ideal for data centers, electrical grids, microreactors, and heavy-duty platforms, including next-generation aircraft.
The development of ULIS comes at a critical time. Projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicate continued strong growth in global electricity demand, particularly from data centers and AI. Innovations like ULIS, which enable more efficient use of existing infrastructure, are indispensable for managing this surge without compromising grid stability or sustainability.
The potential for ULIS to transform how various sectors manage their power needs is immense. By offering a solution that is smaller, lighter, more efficient, and more reliable, this power module could accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and contribute significantly to a more resilient and sustainable global energy landscape.
