Design optimization of a 1500 v GaN-Based solar inverter using flying capacitor multi-level converter stages

Andrew Stillwell, Robert C.N. Pilawa-Podgurski

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Utility scale solar installations are adopting 1500 V solar inverters with reduced cabling and installation costs. Flying capacitor multi-level (FCML) inverters with 650 V transistors offer unique system benefits, leading to lower volume and weight reductions while improving upon system efficiency. Here, we present the design optimization of FCML inverters for 1500 V with considerations of different switches, number of levels, switching frequency and passive components. The optimization informed the design of a 5-level FCML with 650 V GaN switches which was demonstrated successfully in hardware.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2019 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages4605-4612
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781728103952
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2019
Event11th Annual IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2019 - Baltimore, United States
Duration: Sep 29 2019Oct 3 2019

Publication series

Name2019 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2019

Conference

Conference11th Annual IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period9/29/1910/3/19

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Control and Optimization
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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