Power Electronics Platform supports wind/solar applications.
Press Release Summary:
Semistack power electronics platform with SKiiP intelligent power modules allows users to connect stacks in parallel, supporting applications from 450 kW for solar to 2.5 MW for wind power. System's 3 half bridge phase modules are arranged in vertical configuration, linked via low-inductance DC connector. It is available as power assembly with mounting brackets or as cabinet with cooling circuit and AC and DC connections, with choice of air or water-cooling.
Original Press Release:
Flexible and Modular Power Electronics Platform
For wind and solar converter applications: 450 kW - 2.5 MW
Choice of air or water-cooling
Nuremberg, 24 November 2009 - The Semikron Solution Centers introduce the new Semistack power electronics platform with SKiiP intelligent power modules optimized for the renewable energy market. The modular design, the choice of air or water-cooling and the ability to connect the stacks in parallel allows for user applications from 450 kW solar power supplies to 2.5 MW synchronous generator (SG) wind power applications.
Either air or water-cooling is integrated into the same mechanical design. The user can choose between a simple air-cooled solution typically used in solar applications and lower power double-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind power applications, or a higher power water-cooled solution typically used in more complex SG wind applications.
The Semistack is available as a power assembly with mounting brackets, where the user undertakes the cabinet integration, or as a complete cabinet with cooling circuit connections and AC and DC connections integrated. Each complete Semistack comprises three half bridge phase modules arranged in a vertical configuration. The compact design allows for an air-cooled four quadrant power electronics platform suitable for a 1.5 MW DFIG wind power system, to fit into a standard 600mm x 600mm x 1400mm cabinet. Alternatively one cabinet can contain two water-cooled Semistacks connected in parallel to form one converter, connected to an adjacent cabinet of the same configuration for the inverter, to form a complete 2.5MW SG application. The simple mechanical design and the ability to select either air or water-cooling result in an all-round cost effective solution for these applications.
An innovative low-inductance DC connector enables the Semistack to be separated into modular half bridge phase blocks, with each phase block having a separate heatsink, DC busbar and polypropylene capacitor bank. This allows for the base modularity and enables the stack to be easily handled as each phase block weighs no more than 26kg.
Semistack currently uses SKiiP3 intelligent power modules and capitalizes on the advantages of the IPM with integrated driver and high thermal cycling capability to offer the maximum robustness and service lifetime required for renewable energy applications. The Semistack is compatible with the new SKiiP 4 modules hence is able to take advantage of the higher current density offered by the new 4th generation.
More than five decades ago Semikron started to integrate semiconductors, capacitors, cooling management systems and drivers into power assemblies. The design and application expertise of the solutions centers, one from each continent have been combined into the Semikron Solution Center Network. Global support for local service provides development and production capabilities as close as possible to the customers´ applications.
About SEMIKRON:
Semikron is an internationally leading power semiconductor manufacturer. Founded in 1951, the German-based family enterprise employs 2500 people worldwide. Semikron comprises a global network of 35 companies with production plants in China, Korea, India, South Africa, Brazil, USA, Italy, France, Slovakia and Germany that guarantees fast and competent on-site customer care.
Products:
The products range from chips, discrete semiconductors, transistor, diode and thyristor power modules to customer specific solutions and integrated power electronic systems for applications from one kilowatt into the Megawatt range. Semikron is the market leader in the field of diode/thyristor semiconductor modules, enjoying a 37% share of the worldwide market. (Source: IMS Research "The worldwide market for power semiconductor discretes and modules"2008).
Applications:
Semikron technology powers nearly 50% of the globally installed wind power capacity. According to a survey carried out by BTM Consult Apes, the total wind power capacity installed until 2009 was 122 Gigawatt. 57 Gigawatt comprises semiconductors from Semikron. "Semikron inside" has become a trademark for markets such as industrial drives, power supplies, renewable energy, battery vehicles and the rail industry. In 2009 Semikron formed a 50/50 joint venture with Magna Electronics to develop and produce inverters and chargers for electric and hybrid vehicles. As a significant innovator in the power electronics sector, many of Semikron's progressive developments have been accepted as industrial standards.
For more information, visit www.semikron.com.
