Photovoltaic inverter igbt teaching

Can IGBTs be used in a solar inverter?

These topologies use IGBTs as the power discrete semiconductor of choice for achieving high eficiency and high reliability. This application note presents how Bourns® Trench-Gate Field-Stop (TGFS) IGBTs with co-packaged Fast Recovery Diodes (FRDs) can be used in a solar inverter application to enable eficient power conversion.

Can Bourns® Trench-Gate field-stop (TGFs) IGBTs be used in a solar inverter?

This application note presents how Bourns® Trench-Gate Field-Stop (TGFS) IGBTs with co-packaged Fast Recovery Diodes (FRDs) can be used in a solar inverter application to enable eficient power conversion. It also outlines the optimal IGBT features necessary for superior thermal performance while delivering low power dissipation.

How do IGBTs work in a PV inverter?

During operation inside a PV inverter, IGBTs are subject to AC stress conditions as opposed to DC stress conditions. This typically consists of a 60 Hz on-off cycle, with a Pulse-Width-Modulated (PWM) signal on the order of 10 – 15 kHz superimposed on the lower-frequency cycle.

Are insulated-gate bipolar transistors a good choice for solar inverter applications?

For solar inverter applications, it is well known that insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) ofer benefits compared to other types of power devices, like high-current-carrying capability, gate control using voltage instead of current and the ability to match the co-pack diode with the IGBT.

Can IGBT degradation cause a failure of an inverter?

This IGBT degradation would most likely not cause the failure of an inverter, but could degrade performance. Furthermore, it is highly questionable if a device exhibiting significant instability would operate for the expected lifetime of an inverter (i.e. 5 to 20 years).

Is there a bus shoot-through in a solar inverter?

There is no possibility of bus shoot-through because IGBTs on the same leg never switch in a complementary fashion. Co-pack diodes across the low-side IGBTs can be optimized to minimize losses during freewheeling and reverse recovery. Let’s assume a 1.5-kW solar inverter is being designed with a 230-Vac output.