1-phase string inverter solutions
1-phase string inverters perform power conversion on series-connected photovoltaic panels, usually; these inverters are rated around a few kilowatts up to 15 kilowatts. String inverter typically relies on two-stage power conversion. In general, most of the inverter designs are transformer less or non-isolated. First, the DC-DC stage converts variable DC voltage into a fixed DC voltage, at the same time ensures maximum power been extracted from PV panel via MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technique.
DC-AC stage converts DC power into grid compatible AC power. Either 2-level or innovative topologies like HERIC, H6 & Multilevel are preferred in this stage. In particular, innovative topologies is widely used for its higher efficiency, lower system cost, size, and weight. In general, 1-phase string inverter is connected to 600 V PV array, usually, HERIC and H6 topology is preferred. The size and weight of the inverter highly depend on the AC filter and cooling system, the higher switching operation is desirable to reduce the size and cost of the system.
Infineon offerings for designs up to 6 kW
It is common to build a single inverter of 1 kW up to 6 kW. In the residential market, inverter design ranges from 1 kW up to 6 kW. It is possible to achieve the best price for performance by using Infineon’s discrete products. This includes our OptiMOS™, CoolMOS™, CoolSiC™ MOSFET, CoolSiC™ Schottky diodes, IGBT TRENCHSTOP™5, TRENCHSTOP IGBT6.
Infineon’s solutions support inverter designs for a long lifetime, with highly efficient power conversion, accurate current measurement, and low output distortion.
Find the right product combination to design your 1-phase string inverter power stage here:
Trends and requirements of 1-phase string inverters
Another trend is seen towards inverters with multi-level topologies. Such inverters are able to utilize low voltage OptiMOS™ MOSFET switches based on trench topologies that offer very low RDS(ON) and body diode recovery charge Qrr. These reduced conduction losses combined with reduced switching losses make it possible to reach higher efficiency compared to traditional inverters. The drawback is the greater level of complexity necessary to realize a multi-level design compared to traditional topologies and the higher number of switches and isolated gate drivers needed. However, at a certain power level in the 3 kW to 5 kW range, the benefits of the multi-level design such as the reduction in size and weight and higher efficiency and power density, justify the added complexity.
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