News: Microelectronics
19 July 2024
Daihen uses Infineon’s 2000V SiC module in highest-power-density grid storage ground power conditioner
Infineon Technologies AG of Munich, Germany that its CoolSiC 2000V modules have been selected by Daihen Corp of Tokyo, Japan for its unit-type power conditioners for grid storage batteries.
Both grid storage batteries and the power conditioners that are linked to them play a vital role in facilitating the wider adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power generation. To enhance the effectiveness of power generation, storage and transmission, there has been increasing demand for higher-voltage storage batteries and power conditioners. Moreover, with the expansion of storage battery systems on a larger scale, finding suitable locations and minimizing construction costs have emerged as significant challenges.
Picture: Daihen’s unit-type power conditioner for grid storage batteries uses Infineon’s CoolSiC 2000V modules.
The unit-type power conditioner for grid storage batteries launched by Daihen in March is said to be the industry’s first product to achieve connection to storage batteries at a high DC link voltage of 1500V. The higher voltage enables the product to be used with large-capacity storage battery facilities, which has resulted in a 40% reduction (for grid storage batteries equivalent to 12MW/60MWh, with Daihen's power conditioner for 1000V storage batteries) in the footprint of grid storage batteries compared with the conventional product.
The high power density is achieved by using Infineon’s 62mm CoolSiC MOSFET 2000V module (FF3MR20KM1H). In addition to the characteristics of silicon carbide that enable high voltage, better thermal dissipation and high power density, Infineon's SiC products feature M1H trench technology that increases the gate drive voltage range and provides high robustness and reliability against gate voltage spikes. Infineon was the pioneer in the industry to introduce the 2000V class for a SiC module. This has been instrumental in simplifying the inverter circuit configuration, the firm claims. Furthermore, the optimized 62mm package has led to a substantial reduction in system size, contributing to enhanced efficiency and performance, it adds.
“To increase the voltage of power conditioners, the circuit configuration of conventional 1200V devices had become complicated,” notes Akihiro Ohori, general manager, Development Department, Energy Management System Division, Daihen. “However, by adopting Infineon's 2000V SiC modules, we were able to achieve a simplified circuit configuration and control design, thereby reducing development resources and the footprint.”
Infineon adds 62mm package to CoolSiC 1200V and 2000V MOSFET module families
