Hybrid Power Modules Improve Renewable Energy Efficiency

onsemi has secured a design win with Sineng Electric to supply hybrid power integrated modules (PIMs) for next-generation renewable energy platforms. The modules will be deployed in 430 kW liquid-cooled energy storage systems (ESS) and 320 kW utility-scale solar string inverters.

Hybrid semiconductor design for high-efficiency power conversion
The PIM combines insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) technology with silicon carbide (SiC) components in a single package. Specifically, the module integrates FS7 IGBTs with SiC diodes, enabling optimized switching behavior and reduced conduction losses.

This hybrid architecture balances the cost-effectiveness of IGBTs with the high efficiency and fast switching performance of SiC devices. The result is improved overall system efficiency and reduced energy losses during power conversion in high-capacity renewable applications.

Measurable improvements in inverter and ESS performance
Benchmark testing of the modules in a 320 kW solar inverter configuration demonstrated a 0.07% increase in efficiency and a reduction in power losses of 225 W compared to competing solutions. At the system level, efficiency gains of up to 0.1% contribute to improved energy yield over time.

In energy storage systems, the modules enable a 0.75% increase in round-trip efficiency, reflecting reduced losses during charge and discharge cycles. Additional system-level improvements include a 5% reduction in auxiliary power consumption and higher power density, which lowers the number of required components.

Power density and thermal optimization
The modules are designed to increase power density by up to 32% within the same footprint. This allows system designers to scale output power—for example, increasing inverter capacity from 320 kW to 350 kW—without enlarging the physical system.

Thermal performance is enhanced through a direct bonded copper substrate and optimized baseplate design, reducing thermal resistance to the heat sink by approximately 9.3%. Lower thermal resistance and reduced switching losses contribute to cooler operation under high load conditions, improving reliability and component lifespan.

Application in utility-scale renewable energy systems
The technology is intended for deployment in utility-scale solar inverters and energy storage systems, where efficiency and reliability directly impact operational costs and energy output. Improved conversion efficiency reduces energy losses, while higher power density supports more compact system designs.

Liquid-cooled ESS configurations further benefit from improved thermal characteristics, enabling stable operation under continuous high-power conditions.

Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.