Fuji Electric launches module for improved power conversion

Fuji Electric has launched the HPnC Series, large-capacity industrial IGBT (insulated-gate bipolar transistor) semiconductor modules for power conversion to expand the use of renewable energy.

According to the Japanese manufacturing company in a release, the IGBT will have the role of changing frequencies and voltages by switching electricity on and off.

The company plans to release the modules in June for various applications, namely power conditioning systems (PCSs) that perform power conversion in solar power generation systems and power converters for wind power generation systems.

With increased rated current and voltage, the company says that the product will improve the capacity and reduce the overall size of the power converters on which they are installed, thereby reducing power generation costs.

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Fuji Electric highlight two key features of the new product:

1. Power converter capacity improvements

According to the company, the module’s internal terminal layout and chip layout have been optimised and high heat dissipation materials have been applied to increase the current density per unit area, achieving a rated current of 1800 A, an approximate 80% increase compared to the company’s previous products, while maintaining the size of the module.

The number of power converters installed can be reduced by improving the capacity per unit. In solar power generation, they can also be used to expand the installation area of solar panels.

2. The 2300 V breakdown voltage product supports 1500 VDC, reducing the number of parts in power converters

According to Fuji Electric, the breakdown voltage structure of the IGBT chip and the free-wheeling diode (FWD) chip have been optimised and now offer a lineup of IGBT modules with a rated voltage of 2300 V.

One module, adds the company, can support a 1500 VDC power converter, which makes it possible to reduce the number of IGBT modules installed and other components such as wiring in peripheral circuits, allowing for a smaller power converter footprint. This contributes to lower power generation costs.