Fronius Uses Infineon Technology in 10kW Solar Inverter
The combined efforts from Infineon Technologies AG and Fronius International GmbH have led to an all-in-one, self-sufficient solar inverter that provides clean power directly to the average household while interfacing with energy storage systems.
The Austrian photovoltaic (PV) developers known as Fronius, have centered decades of research and design around battery charging technology, welding technology, and solar energy. Fronius and Infineon recently launched the Symo GEN24 Plus Solar Inverter, a versatile solution that could be used in water heating or electric charging station systems.
Fronius’ solar inverter implements thermal management ability with built-in active cooling to prevent burnout. Image used courtesy of Infineon Technologies AG.
Infineon’s Cool SiC MOSFET Modules
Infineon has crafted microelectronics dedicated to digital transformation, sustainability, self-sufficiency, and reducing CO2 emissions by working with multiple corporations around the world. Fronius has capitalized on integrating Infineon’s Cool SiC devices that will allow for their device to perform at a 94% efficiency in a 10kW energy class.
Infineon’s CoolSiC MOSFETs features low ON resistance in order to supply less power wasted from the overall system. Image used for courtesy Infineon Technologies AG.
The EasyDual 1B 1200V half-bridge module offers temperature sensing capabilities with a high power density which creates a low inductive design. This component is used in the battery stage of the inverter within the bidirectional DC/DC converter.
The EasyDual 2B, is similar to the EasyDual 1B module, both 1200V half-bridge modules but this module has a smaller drain-source ‘ON resistance’ (Rds(on)), which is used to lower the power loss within the inverter stage of the system.
Division President Industrial Power Control at Infineon, Peter Wawer stated how crucial it was to have Fronius and Infineon work together from the design phase to the production stage, “Ultimately, close communication between the development teams enabled system advantages that correspond to customer needs. Based on our tried and tested Easy module, the inverter's booster stages now use 1200 V CoolSiC, MOSFETs in combination with CoolSiC diodes. This full-SiC solution thus ensures maximum efficiency.”
Fronius’s 10kW Class Solar Inverter
The collaboration yielded an inverter that is able to provide emergency backup to a household or facility, maintain storage connections, and provide efficient energy management.
The Symo GEN24 Plus is equipped with active air-cooling and is able to reduce operating temperatures, ultimately extending the lifespan of components within the inverter. Fronius combined its patented multi-flow technology with the seamless switching capabilities of Infineon’s CoolSiC MOSFETs to allow its solar inverter to gain energy from direct sunlight, wind turbines, or battery storage. This increases the level of design redundancy to create a robust system. In the event one power source is not able to deliver, Fronius’ Symo GEN24 Plus is well equipped to provide backup power to household devices.
Head of R&D Power Electronics from the Solar Energy Business Unit at Fronius, Andreas Luger stated, “SiC modules can be used to build very energy-efficient, robust, and reliable inverters.” Andreas also discussed the importance of integrating Infineon’s solution into their family of solar inverters, “This technology enables a significant increase in switching frequency. Compared to the previous generation, the functionality is significantly improved, while its size remains comparable. Each device now also has an output for a secure power supply, and backup power, in addition to the standard connection options for a hybrid inverter.”
By having the design flexibility of Infineon’s CoolSiC MOSFETs, Fronius’ upgraded family of solar inverters are able to become a reliable, robust solution at 6, 9, and 10kW energy class options of clean power to support growing households.
