Optimizing Power Conversion in Utility-Scale Energy Storage

White Paper Overview

As electricity demand grows, utility-scale energy storage systems need power conversion systems that are efficient, thermally robust and cost-effective. This white paper looks at the Active Neutral Point Clamped (ANPC) inverter, which offers better efficiency and lower thermal stress than conventional NPC designs. It focuses on a hybrid approach that puts SiC MOSFETs on the high-frequency switching positions and IGBTs with silicon diodes on the conduction-dominated positions.

The paper also tackles a practical problem with parallel SiC MOSFETs: crosstalk from fast switching can cause false turn-on and device failure. Using simulation, it shows how layout symmetry and individual gate resistors reduce crosstalk. It focuses on a hybrid approach that puts SiC MOSFETs on the high-frequency switching positions and IGBTs with silicon diodes on the conduction-dominated positions, inside an onsemi power integrated module (PIM).