Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF) launches silicon carbide module for the renewable energy, energy storage and high-capacity fast-charging sectors. The new module, a 2300V baseplate-less silicon carbide power module for 1500V DC Bus applications will improve efficiency, durability, reliability and scalability. The module was developed and launched utilizing Wolfspeed’s state-of-the- 200mm silicon carbide wafers.
The silicon carbide technology provider also announced its partnership with the North American utility-scale inverter manufacturer, EPC Power. The partnership will enable EPC Power to employ Wolfspeed modules in utility-grade solar and energy storage systems. The system offers a scalable high-power conversion system and high-performance controls and system redundancy.
“The solar and energy storage market remains among the fastest-growing segments of the renewable energy industry. As the pioneers of silicon carbide, we are driven to create solutions that will open the door to a new era of modern energy,” said Jay Cameron, Wolfspeed Senior Vice President and General Manager, Power. “Energy efficiency, reliability, and scalability are top of mind for our customers, such as EPC Power, who recognize the substantial advantages Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide brings to the table.”
“Silicon carbide devices open the door to a step-change in inverter performance and reliability. With our commitment to extreme reliability, performance, and security in our new ‘M’ inverter while also forging a deep commercial relationship with key suppliers, Wolfspeed was the obvious choice,” said Devin Dilley, President and Chief Product Officer, EPC Power.
Cameron continued, “This platform further validates our investments in 200mm wafer technology and production as the potential of silicon carbide continues to be recognized by industry leaders across all mission-critical applications.”
Wolfspeed’s 2300V modules will improve system efficiency, while reducing the number of passive components. They offer 15% greater voltage headroom compared to similar silicon carbide modules, improved dynamic performance with consistent temperature stability, and a substantial reduction in EMI filter size. Wolfspeed’s technology achieves a 77% reduction in switching losses over IGBTs and a 2-3x reduction in switching losses for silicon carbide devices intended for 1500V applications.
2300V silicon carbide modules will allow system designers to leverage lower cost printed circuit boards to cut manufacturing costs and significantly reduce development time compared to legacy bus bar solutions. Furthermore, Wolfspeed’s 2300V modules will enable the industry to adopt the two-level topology, resulting in simplified system design and reduced driver count compared to IGBT-based three-level configurations. The benefits of 2300V modules support a building block approach to easily scale power tenfold, from kilowatts to megawatts.
Wolfspeed’s 2300V silicon carbide modules will allow customers to further enhance the lifetime and durability of their systems. This is achieved through an optimized Failure in Time rate for continuous 1500V DC operation and improved cosmic ray susceptibility compared to a 2000V design. When used in a two-level implementation, 2300V modules reduce the amount of potential single points of failure across the system.
