setembro 20, 2024
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For decades, the grid has served as a reliable bridge between power producers and consumers, delivering electricity uninterrupted to thousands of homes at the flick of a switch. However, with the growing demand for electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind, existing grids will only be able to ensure an adequate supply of electricity at peak times if they successfully meet new challenges, including integrating storage systems.
EPC Power, a well-known manufacturer of ground-based power plant inverters offering cutting-edge power conversion solutions, has joined hands with Wolfspeed to develop solutions to address the energy storage challenge. In this powerful combination, the two sides used the powerful performance of silicon carbide to create the industry's first ground-based power station series inverter "M", making grid-connected energy storage systems more efficient, reliable and scalable than ever before.
Create an energy storage inverter with industry-leading efficiency and power density
Design modular systems with a single inverter unit covering a wide range of power and voltage levels
Ensure systems are easy to maintain, easy to repair, and mass-produced for rapid deployment around the world
"M" Inverter - the industry's first modular series centralized inverter optimized for battery energy storage systems
Flexible, grid-connected inverters covering a wide range of power and voltage levels for industry-leading efficiency and power density
Low maintenance and repair requirements
Easy mass production and rapid deployment of solutions worldwide
Two innovative companies have joined forces to bring 2300 V Wolfspeed WolfPACK? The Power module is integrated into EPC Power's new energy storage solution
M "stands for modularity
Traditional energy storage systems use a centralized inverter for power conversion. These individual devices operate at 4-6 megawatts and are prone to downtime due to the large size and complexity of the system. When storing large amounts of renewable energy for long periods of time, centralized inverters are under greater pressure. EPC Power's "M" inverters combine the flexibility of serial inverters commonly used in residential and commercial solar systems to scale up to provide renewable energy for entire cities.
"M" adopts a modular approach to achieve customized centralized inverters by connecting multiple small inverters. "M" inverters have fewer passive components, are smaller, have a wider AC and DC operating range, and offer world-class power density. Compared to centralized inverters, the "M" modular system is easier to install and maintain, and has fewer points of failure and longer trouble-free operation time.
"M" Bridges the gap between the two inverter architectures, enabling stable and reliable battery storage at higher voltage levels. By distributing energy into smaller units, power units can design inverter systems that better meet the specific needs of a particular storage station.
"Technology opens up business opportunities. Silicon carbide is a tool that, if its advantages can be fully utilized in the system, can achieve a fundamental change in technology. Wolfspeed Silicon Carbide enables EPC Power to transform the way energy is produced and stored on a global scale." -- Devin Dilley, President and Chief Product Officer, EPC Power
EPC Power understands that harnessing the unique advantages of silicon carbide is the key to achieving reliable energy storage at the grid level. Wolfspeed's new 2300 V silicon Carbide Wolfspeed WolfPACK power module is designed for 1500 V bus applications and enables the transition from a typical three-level architecture to a simplified two-level power conversion system. The solution changes the system design from a traditional busbar to a lower-cost printed circuit board, significantly reducing development time and costs.
The complex three-level NPC system architecture using 1200 V IGBT is compared with the minimalist two-level system using 2300 V WolfPACK power module. The simplified two-level system reduces the number of drives, reduces control complexity, and improves scalability.
The switching performance of the silicon carbide module enables EPC Power to significantly reduce the size of the "M", reduce the number of passive components and reduce the overall system cost. This innovation simplifies installation and maintenance, creating the industry's first inverter optimized for battery energy storage in a ground-based power station.
EPC Power worked closely with Wolfspeed experts to maximize the low failure rate of the 2300 V WolfPACK Cosmic Ray FIT (7-8 times lower compared to 2000 V devices), thus extending the service life of the "M" system. Taking advantage of this feature can extend the service life of the "M" and improve its reliability, which directly reduces field failures and reduces maintenance costs.
As a pioneer in the world's most advanced silicon carbide semiconductor technology, Wolfspeed provides practical support throughout the design process to help customers maximize the benefits of silicon carbide. This philosophy guides Wolfspeed's collaboration with market innovators to drive the world's most disruptive technologies.
"EPC Power and Wolfspeed are a great fit. Wolfspeed is a leader in the commercialization of silicon carbide and has been at the forefront of the industry for many years, so why not work with this company?" -- Adam Kabulski, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at EPC Power
Jay Cameron, senior Vice President and general manager of power semiconductors at Wolfspeed, said: "Wolfspeed and EPC Power will work together and I am impressed by EPC Power's ambition and strength to drive us all steadily forward to deliver products that can revolutionise the grid and create a more sustainable future for all of us."
EPC Power is a leading provider of power conversion solutions, focusing on terrestrial power plant solar and energy storage inverters. With a relentless pursuit of innovation, a strict commitment to quality excellence and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction, EPC Power is committed to providing reliable and highly scalable solutions to meet the growing and diverse needs of its customers.
Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) leads the adoption of silicon carbide (SiC) technology in the global market. We provide industry-leading solutions for efficient energy conservation and a sustainable future. Wolfspeed's family of products includes SiC materials, power devices, and applications such as electric vehicles, fast charging, renewable energy and energy storage. We open up more possibilities through hard work, collaboration and a passion for innovation.
