Renewable Energy Systems

Application

Description

Rohm SiC power solutions maximize energy harvest and efficiency in solar inverters and energy storage systems with industry-leading low losses.

Core Advantages

Ultra-low Rds(on) minimizes conduction losses
Zero reverse recovery SBDs eliminate switching losses
Easy gate drive simplifies inverter design
High switching frequency enables compact magnetics
Proven reliability in harsh environments
Comprehensive reference designs available Comprehensive reference designs available

Recommended Bill of Materials (BOM)

Item Part Number Description Quantity Datasheet
1 SCT3022AL 650V SiC MOSFET for boost PFC 2 📄 Download
2 SCH2080KE 650V SiC SBD for boost diode 2 📄 Download
3 SCT3080KL 1200V SiC MOSFET for inverter stage 6 📄 Download

Applications

Solar Inverters
Energy Storage
Grid-Tie Systems

Technical Specifications

Power Range
5kW - 250kW+
Input Voltage
200V - 1500V DC
Output Voltage
208V - 690V AC
Switching Frequency
50kHz - 100kHz
Peak Efficiency
>99%
Operating Temperature
-40°C to +85°C ambient

Customer Success Stories

Solar Inverter Manufacturer

| Commercial Solar Inverter

Challenge

Customer needed reliable solution for demanding application.

Solution

Implemented comprehensive solution using recommended components.

Results

Energy Storage Company

| Battery Inverter

Challenge

Customer needed reliable solution for demanding application.

Solution

Implemented comprehensive solution using recommended components.

Results

FAE Expert Insights

D

David Wang

Senior FAE - Renewable Energy

12 years in solar inverter design

Professional Insights

Rohm SiC devices are excellent for solar inverter applications. The combination of SCT MOSFETs and SCH SBDs enables >99% efficiency. The zero reverse recovery of SiC SBDs is a game-changer for PFC stages. The easy gate drive compatibility makes design straightforward. For 1500V systems, use 1700V-rated devices with proper clearance design.

Key Takeaways

  • SiC enables >99% inverter efficiency vs 98% for IGBT
  • Zero reverse recovery SBDs eliminate PFC losses
  • Higher switching frequency reduces magnetics size by 50%

Recommendations

  • Use SCH SBDs for boost PFC and output rectification
  • Implement proper EMI filtering for high-frequency switching
  • Consider liquid cooling for inverters >100kW

Decision Framework

Decision Framework
Steps:
  1. Evaluate requirements
  2. Compare solutions
  3. Consult FAE

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of solar inverters can use Rohm SiC solutions?

Rohm solar inverter applications: (1) Residential - 5-10kW single-phase string inverters using discrete devices. (2) Commercial - 30-100kW three-phase string inverters. (3) Utility - 100-250kW+ central inverters using modules. (4) Microinverters - Module-level power electronics. (5) Power optimizers - DC-DC converters with MPPT. (6) Hybrid - Solar plus battery storage inverters. (7) Voltage - 1000V and 1500V DC systems supported. Rohm solutions cover all solar inverter topologies.

Use discrete devices for string inverters; power modules for central inverters.

How does Rohm SiC improve solar inverter efficiency?

Rohm SiC solar inverter efficiency benefits: (1) Conduction - Ultra-low Rds(on) reduces conduction loss. (2) Switching - Zero reverse recovery eliminates diode loss. (3) Frequency - Higher frequency reduces magnetics loss. (4) Overall - 1-2% efficiency improvement vs IGBT. (5) Energy yield - More energy harvested over system life. (6) Cooling - Reduced cooling power consumption. (7) Reliability - Lower temperature improves longevity. Rohm SiC maximizes energy harvest and ROI.

Rohm SiC improves efficiency by 1-2%; significant impact on 25-year energy yield.

What is the advantage of using Rohm SiC SBDs in PFC circuits?

Rohm SiC SBD PFC advantages: (1) Zero recovery - No Qrr-related switching losses. (2) Efficiency - 1-2% improvement in PFC efficiency. (3) Frequency - Can operate at 100kHz+. (4) Cooler - Reduced diode heating. (5) EMI - Cleaner switching waveforms. (6) Size - Smaller PFC inductor. (7) Cost - Lower system cost. SiC SBDs are ideal for boost PFC applications.

Use Rohm SCH SBDs for boost PFC to eliminate reverse recovery losses.

How do Rohm solutions support 1500V solar systems?

Rohm 1500V solar solutions: (1) Devices - 1700V SiC MOSFETs available. (2) Benefits - Lower current, reduced losses for same power. (3) String length - Longer strings reduce BOS costs. (4) Efficiency - Higher efficiency at 1500V vs 1000V. (5) Inverters - Central inverters up to 250kW+. (6) Safety - Proper clearance and isolation design. (7) Standards - Meet IEC 62109 for 1500V systems. Rohm enables next-generation 1500V solar systems.

Use 1700V SiC devices for 1500V systems; significant BOS cost savings.

What grid compliance standards do Rohm solar solutions meet?

Rohm grid compliance: (1) IEEE 1547 - US grid interconnection standard. (2) IEC 62109 - Safety requirements for PV inverters. (3) IEC 61727 - PV system utility interface. (4) VDE-AR-N 4105 - German grid code. (5) G99/G100 - UK grid connection requirements. (6) AS 4777 - Australian standard. (7) Support - Documentation and test reports available. Rohm solutions support global grid compliance.

Rohm provides documentation for major grid codes; verify specific regional requirements.

Can Rohm solutions be used for energy storage systems?

Yes, Rohm solutions support energy storage: (1) Battery inverters - Bidirectional DC-AC conversion. (2) DC-DC converters - Battery charge/discharge control. (3) Efficiency - High round-trip efficiency critical for storage. (4) Power - Residential to utility-scale systems. (5) Batteries - Li-ion, LFP, and other chemistries. (6) Grid services - Frequency regulation, peak shaving. (7) Integration - Solar plus storage solutions. Rohm SiC efficiency maximizes storage system value.

Use Rohm SiC for highest efficiency in battery inverters; bidirectional designs supported.