Niestetal, Munich, Germany
The installed photovoltaic capability is expanding swiftly globally. Photovoltaic systems with a total output of approximately 600 GW presently supply clean and cost-effective electricity – substituting around 600 medium-sized coal-fired power plants.
| SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) and Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) back this expansion trend with the recent generation of novel silicon carbide (SiC)-based solar inverters. The novel semiconductor material diminishes the system expenses for inverters and enhances their competence. The production expenses for solar power are thus further diminished. With the Sunny Highpower PEAK3 from SMA, obtainable since 2019, decentralized photovoltaic power plants can be planned flexibly and effectively up to the megawatt range. The basis for this is the compact design designed for 1500 VDC, which generates an output of 150 kW per unit. This is made possible by SiC expertise from Infineon: Six power modules of the type CoolSiC™ EasyPACK™ 2B and 36 gate drivers of the EiceDRIVER™ family 1ED20 transform the direct current generated by the solar cells into grid-compatible alternating current - with an effectiveness of over 99 percent. Silicon carbide provides benefits for the overall system "Silicon carbide enables us to build the inverters compact, powerful and reliable," observed Sven Bremicker, Head of Technology Development Center at SMA. "In the Sunny Highpower PEAK3, the CoolSiC modules almost double the particular output from 0.97 to 1.76 kW/kg. Because of the compact design, the inverters are much easier to transport and much faster to install." The benefits of a decentralized plant layout can thus be integrated with those for central inverters. Growths are effortless possible even after the photovoltaic power plant has been commissioned. "SiC-based power semiconductors are more expensive than silicon solutions," commented Dr. Peter Wawer, President of the Industrial Power Control Division of Infineon. "But thanks to the electrical properties of the material, this is more than offset at system level. Higher switching speeds and efficiency allow transformers, capacitors, heat sinks and ultimately packages to be smaller – and thus save system costs. We are very proud to have convinced with SMA the European market leader in photovoltaic inverters of the advantages and to support volume production with our innovative SiC products." Not only photovoltaic systems gain from these benefits. Demand for SiC-based solutions from Infineon is also expanding in other industrial segments and for applications such as non stop power supply and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Swift advancement of customized modules Infineon has created a client-specific solution for SMA that consists of both a classic TRENCHSTOP™IGBT and a CoolSiC™ MOSFET with body diode. The ANPC (Active Neutral-Point Clamped) topology permits system voltages up to 1500 V maximum to be switched with switches designed for 1200 V. The topology thus utilizes the benefits of SiC, although only some of the switches in the EasyPACK module are based on it. Overall, the utilization of SiC decreases the complications in the inverter. This not only enhances competence, but also makes the system easier to maintain and increases its service life. As the worldwide market pioneer for power semiconductors, Infineon presents the biggest SiC portfolio of Easy modules for industrial applications. Thanks to its numerous years of specialization, the several chip technologies and the obtainable production capabilities, this platform can be adapted to client needs and brought to series production readiness at short notice. Because of the robust growth in demand for SiC discretes and modules, Infineon persists to invest in the expansion of SiC capabilities at its own manufacturing locations.  About SMA As a top worldwide expert in photovoltaic system expertise, the SMA Group is setting the standards presently for the decentralized and renewable energy supply of tomorrow. SMA’s portfolio consists of a broad array of competent PV inverters, comprehensive system solutions for PV systems of all power classes, intelligent energy management systems and battery-storage solutions as well as complete solutions for PV diesel hybrid applications. Digital energy services as well as extensive services up to and consisting of functions and maintenance services for PV power plants round off SMA’s range. SMA inverters with a total output of 75 gigawatts have been installed in more than 190 nations globally. SMA’s multi-award-winning expertise is safeguarded by appropriately 1,400 patents and utility models. Since 2008, the Group’s parent company, SMA Solar Technology AG, has been listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92) and is listed in the SDAX index. By ANJISHNU BISWAS |
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