Local Firm Wins $3 Million in Army Contracts
![A high temperature silicon carbide power module developed by Arkansas Power Electronics International.](https://campusdata.uark.edu/resources/images/articles/SIC_Module-Charlie.jpg)
A high temperature silicon carbide power module developed by Arkansas Power Electronics International.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Power Electronics International Inc., a small business headquartered at the Arkansas Research Technology Park at the University of Arkansas, has received two contracts totaling $3 million and funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The contracts were awarded by the U.S. Army and are expected to lead to creation of more than 25 high-tech engineering jobs at the company over the next three years.
The research is intended to improve the electronics systems in military vehicles, but those improvements could ultimately be used in consumer hybrid and electrical cars and trucks.
The first contract is for $1.2 million and came from the Army Research Laboratory. APEI will develop high efficiency light-weight power modules for the power electronics systems in future hybrid and electrical ground combat vehicles. The power electronics systems are essential to operation of the vehicles: they process and deliver power to the onboard computers, electronics and communications systems, weapons systems and electric motor traction drives. APEI’s power module technology is ten times smaller than existing systems and reduces electrical losses by more than 90 percent. APEI’s technology is intended to make Army combat vehicles stronger, more effective in combat, more maneuverable and able to carry larger payloads.
The company will also receive $1.8 million in the second contract, as part of a defense development project led by Science Applications International Corp. APEI will deliver silicon carbide power modules to Science Applications International to put into the power electronic test systems for a new generation of tanks. If successful, APEI’s new state-of-the-art silicon carbide power modules will replace today’s silicon-based modules in military vehicles, and ultimately in consumer hybrid and electric vehicles.
APEI is a company that has developed from research by a University of Arkansas engineering professor and has licensing rights to one university patent.
Topics
Contacts
Sharmila Mounce, business operations manager
Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc.
479-443-5759,
smounce@apei.net
Steve Voorhies, manager of media relations
University Relations
479-575-3583,
voorhies@uark.edu
Headlines
Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design Presents Fall 2024 Lecture Series Lineup
Through these carefully selected presenters, the Fay Jones School continues to engage with the broad scope of issues, opportunities and challenges that society and the design disciplines confront today.
Honors College to Host Pulse Discussion on the History of Campus Protests
An expert panel moderated by the Democracy Fellows RSO will discuss the history, philosophy, emergency management and legality of campus protests on Sept. 12.
Baxter Joins Animal Science As Equine Instructor, Ranch Horse & Equine Judging Coach
Amanda Baxter, who has extensive experience in 4-H horse contests and clinics, is joining the Department of Animal Science as an equine instructor and head coach of the ranch horse and equine judging teams.
Wang Appointed Associate Editor for Biophysics Reviews
Yong Wang, associate professor of physics at the University of Arkansas, has been named an associate editor of Biophysics Reviews, the journal of the American Institute of Physics.
Data Science Program to Be Led by Previous Engineering Dean While Director Search Begins
Former Dean John English will serve as director while a search for the successor to University Professor Manuel Rosetti, the Data Science Program's inaugural director, is conducted.