By Niels Landbo Krogh,  Communication and Public Affairs
Photo: Trine Reinholt Andersen, AAU Technology Transfer Office

As a researcher, Hongbo is exploring and researching important challenges in the field of power electronics: improving magnetic components. Magnetic components are critical for electrification, yet innovation in this area, especially in their winding and layout design, has lagged behind advancements in magnetic cores, semiconductors, and capacitors. As he explains in a recent LinkedIn post, this gap in innovation can be a major obstacle to the development of more efficient, smaller, and environmentally friendly electronic devices.

In the post, Hongbo answered three key questions that shed light on his research and what he hopes to achieve in the AAU Excellence Programme. Below are his insights:

1. What is the main problem you are trying to solve as a researcher?

"Magnetic components are critical for electrification, yet innovation in this field, especially in their winding/layout design, has lagged behind advancements in magnetic cores, semiconductors, and capacitors. Innovations demand breakthroughs in structure and materials, only achievable through interdisciplinary research."

2. What are the consequences of this innovation lag in magnetic components?

"The lack of innovation in magnetic components limits the potential of advanced semiconductors like SiC and GaN. For example, in a mobile charger, magnetic components take up over 30% of the space, while semiconductors occupy less than 1%. This imbalance restricts device size, efficiency, and performance, becoming the major bottleneck in power electronics."

3. If you could mention one thing you look most forward to during the AAU Excellence program, what would that be?

"I don’t consider myself excellent yet—at least not by the standards I hold when comparing myself to many other researchers. That’s why I deeply appreciate the opportunity to be part of the AAU Excellence Programme. It offers not only a chance to develop new skills and enhance my competencies but also the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the other participants and mentors in the program."

Read more about Hongbo Zhao's milestone and the AAU Excellence programme.