Technology

IPC technology is based on a revolutionary new power converter topology which is called current-modulation. This topology combines non-resonant soft-switching with a, high AC link frequency, and precise intra-cycle current control to achieve compact, lightweight, efficient, and economical power converters with exceptionally high power quality.

• IPC’s topology supports DC-AC inverter, AC-DC rectifier, DC-DC converter, AC-VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) motor control, and asynchronous AC to grid synchronous AC conversion. It also provides buck/boost voltage conversion, bi-directional power transfer and multiport applications with any combination of independent AC and DC ports. IPC’s topology does it all, which is why it is described as a Universal Power Converter in the company’s patents.

IPC’s topology utilizes a high frequency AC link inductor through which all energy is transferred. It completely eliminates all DC bulk capacitor storage. Conventional voltage source converters use electrolytic capacitor for this purpose which fatigue and cause system failures. By eliminating all electrolytic capacitors the reliability of IPC converters is improved.

IPC’s topology provides ground isolation benefits of transformer based systems without the weight and cost of a transformer.

IPC’s topology enables up lower weight with dramatic reduction in materials, manufacturing, shipping and installation costs.

Inverters Lighten Up by Bill Alexander, CEO, Ideal Power Converters Energy Efficiency and Technology magazine - December 1, 2011

IPC Backgrounder (includes lay technology discussion)

View an animation of our power converter

IEEE Peer Reviewed Conference Papers
(These are PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Soft Switched AC Link Buck Boost Converter
Soft Switched AC Link Direct Connect Photovoltaic Inverter
Soft Switched AC-Link Wind Power Converter
Battery-Utility Interface using Soft Switched AC Link Buck Boost Converter
Soft Switched AC-Link AC/AC and AC/DC Buck Boost Converter

IPC White Papers
(These are PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Improved Fire Safety in Commercial PV Inverters – January 2012
Bidirectional Electric Vehicle DC Charger – October 2011
Single stage Converter for Commercial-scale Wind Turbines – September 2011
Low Weight, Low Cost, High Efficiency Commercial-Scale PV Inverter - March 2011
Low Harmonic Variable Frequency Drive - March 2010

“IPC’s inverter offers an architecture that we believe will become a standard for commercial scale rooftop systems, the largest segment of the US solar market.”

- Roger Jennings, General Manager, Texas Solar Power Company.

“IPC’s current-modulation electronic power converter topology improves cost, efficiency, and reliability. It is one of the most significant advances in power electronics in decades, which is critically required for the clean-energy industry.”

– Dr. Hamid Toliyat, Professor and Director of Electric Machines & Power Electronics Lab, Texas A&M University