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Brek Electronics has applied its silicon carbide composite architecture in its new 200 kW and 400 kW inverters.
Brek Electronics has developed two string inverters with its novel composite architecture, optimized for silicon carbide (SiC) components.
“The design replaces film capacitors with machine-placeable ceramic capacitors and uses planar magnetism,” a company spokesperson told pv magazine .
According to the US manufacturer, SiC metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) have a switching frequency 20 times higher than silicon Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs). The two devices have powers of 200 kW and 400 kW. The SiC components provide the 400 kW inverter with a power density of 4 kW/kg, according to the company.
The Brek IS400 measures 762mm x 381mm x 635mm. Brek estimates his weight at 100 kg, but points out that there are still a few pieces missing to make the calculation. The device has an efficiency of up to 99%. It has a DC supply voltage of 875 V to 1,500 V and an ambient operating temperature of -40ºC to 60ºC.
The IS200 device has the same efficiency and operating temperature, but measures 381mm x 381mm x 635mm and weighs about 50kg. It has one maximum power point tracking (MPPT) input, whereas the IS400 has two. The maximum DC input current per MPPT is 222 A.
Berk claims that the IS400 has a lifespan of about 15 years and that lab tests show an improvement in mean time to failure compared to conventional silicon. Berk says it will put the inverter through UL testing in Q4 2023. It is scheduled for release in the first half of 2024.
Its silicon carbide-based composite architecture technology for string inverters was a finalist for the American-Made Solar Award from the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Silicon carbide based inverters are known for having higher power density and lower overall system costs than traditional inverters. However, defects at the interface between the silicon carbide and the silicon dioxide insulating material remain a problem for these devices. |
