News: Microelectronics
17 January 2024
Infineon’s CoolGaN enables OMRON’s new V2X charging systems
Infineon Technologies AG of Munich, Germany has partnered to combine its gallium nitride (GaN)-based power solutions with the circuit topology and control technology of Tokyo-based OMRON Social Solutions Co Ltd, enabling what is reckoned to be one of Japan’s smallest and lightest vehicle-to-everything (V2X) charging systems. The partnership is expected to further drive innovation towards wide-bandgap materials in power supplies, helping to accelerate the transition to renewable energies, a smarter grid, and the adoption of electric vehicles, while fostering decarbonization and digitalization.
Picture: OMRON’s KPEP-A series V2X system allows for bi-directional charging and discharging paths between renewable energy sources, the grid, and EV batteries.
For the KPEP-A series V2X system, Infineon’s CoolGaN technology is combined with a unique control technology. OMRON Social Solutions has upgraded its EV charger and discharger system, now allowing for bi-directional charging and discharging paths between renewable energy sources, the grid, and EV batteries. The KPEP-A series is reckoned to be one of the smallest and lightest multi-V2X systems in Japan, with a 60% reduction in size and weight compared with similar conventional charger and discharger designs, yet providing a charging capability of 6kW. With the integration of Infineon’s CoolGaN, the power efficiency of the V2X systems has increased by more than 10% at light load and around 4% at rated load. Through the improved efficiency and a reduction in size and weight, the new system allows easier installation and maintenance while enabling more elegant designs and offering a wider range of options for installation locations.
“Our CoolGaN-based solutions directly contribute to speed up the transition to renewable energies which reduces CO2 emissions and drives decarbonization,” says Adam White, division president Power & Sensor Systems at Infineon. “It will also make charging of electric vehicles easier and more convenient for consumers, helping to overcome one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption,” he adds.
“Having access to a broad portfolio of WBG solutions significantly increases the functionality, performance and quality of our products,” says Atsushi Sasawaki, managing executive officer and senior general manager for Energy Solutions Business at OMRON Social Solutions. “With Infineon, we get the best-in-class application know-how for creating new and improved charging and discharging systems, providing a high level of satisfaction for our customers and end-users,” he adds. “We look forward to further developing GaN- and SiC-based power solutions together with Infineon to help drive renewable energy and electric vehicles.”
