Abstract
A power electronics converter is generally designed for a specific load condition. However, depending on the applications and its mission profiles, the operating load conditions can be distinctly lower than the specified ones (PV cell under shading conditions, etc.). During this light load condition, the efficiency diminishes considerably, especially if Si–IGBT devices are considered within the power circuit. This study explains a light-load circuit extension based on wide-bandgap (WBG, silicon carbide and gallium nitride) material, which can improve the light-load efficiency and transient response of the conventional IGBT-based active rectifiers and inverter. Such an additional circuit extension is, in general, associated with additional cost. Numerous factors, such as the power electronics application itself, mission profiles, converter power rating and sizing of passive components, etc., can shift the break-even point of the upgraded power electronics system in terms of time. Therefore, a profound investigation of the relevant areas of interest is required in advance to ensure the most efficient amortization of the additional incurred costs of the applied circuitry. A 125 kW 3-phase six-switch inverter is discussed to highlight relevant effects in light-load operation that must be considered for final product design.
Highlights
The efficiency curve of such a power electronics inverter, active rectifier or converter shows a nonlinear characteristic which is depending on its instantaneous load
The efficiency of such an inverter slightly diminishes, if an inverter or active rectifier reaches no-load or light-load conditions, its performance in terms of efficiency is vastly decreasing as the switching losses of semiconductors dominate the operating mode
This study study proposes proposes and and discusses discusses an an optional optional light-load light-load efficient efficient circuit circuit extension, extension, which which can can be enabled during this inefficient light, ultra-light or no-load conditions and still guarantees be enabled during this inefficient light, ultra-light or no-load conditions and still guarantees high high performant operation for afor more comprehensive load range already performantpower powerelectronics electronics operation a more comprehensive load while rangere-utilizing while re-utilizing existing parts of the high-power inverter such as input filter, commutation inductance, capacitive already existing parts of the high-power inverter such as input filter, commutation inductance, DC-link
Summary
The share of power electronics in transmission and distribution grids has been growing for decades and will continue to expand effectively in the future The reasons for this are the accelerated transition and migration towards renewable energy systems, primarily driven by compliance with climate targets and the reduction of GHG emissions. The efficiency curve of such a power electronics inverter, active rectifier or converter shows a nonlinear characteristic which is depending on its instantaneous load. It typically peaks in the region of around 40%–60% (partial load operation) of the system’s nominal load.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
