×

Photovoltaic (PV) single-phase string inverter

When it comes to renewable energy, solar panels have been at the forefront of developments for some time. However there is still an efficiency question over their performance, with even the latest photovoltaic (PV) technologies delivering around 20% efficiency when it comes to converting sunlight into electricity. Residential and small commercial solar installations up to about 5 kW, tend to use a multiple strings of 360 W to 400 W panels. In both the DC boost stage and AC inversion stage, GaN FETs provide an significant boost to overall system efficiency and a reduction in inverter size, weight and cost.

Block diagrams

Highlighted components are Nexperia focus products

Design considerations

  • Choice of topology for DC/DC and DC/AC conversion, but isolated half-bridge boost and full bridge inverter offer the highest efficiencies
  • Need to ensure a optimal gain ratio on the half-bridge boost and a 50% duty cycle
  • Despite IGBTs dominating the DC/AC stage due to their very low cost, GaN FETs allow for higher efficiency and smaller line filters.

DFN0606 MOSFET:小封装里的高效器件

用更少的器件实现更多的功能,这是移动和便携式应用(尤其是可穿戴设备)的宗旨。通过使用可用的最高效开关选项,设计人员可以获得更多的空间来嵌入功能,同时最大程度地减少电池消耗。Nexperia新推出的小信号MOSFET采用超小型DFN0606封装,能够大幅节省空间,且导通电阻超低。

阅读更多...

Quick Learning - Benefits of using power GaN FETs in Solar inverters

Join Ilian as he explains the differences between an IGBT based DC/AC converter and a GaN FET based DC/AC converter, highlighting the benefits GaN brings.