Topology
The IPC topology is called current-modulation. It has a 100% indirect power transfer compared to direct power transfer from conventional solutions. All the energy runs through, and is temporarily stored in, a high frequency AC link consisting of an inductor and capacitor. Since the input and output are never directly connected together, IPC’s topology provides circuit isolation without the size, weight, cost and efficiency loss of a transformer. In PV inverter applications, IPC topology provides the inverter weight and efficiency benefits of a transformer-less inverter, while supporting grounded PV arrays which are the de facto standard in the U.S.Other unique attributes of IPC’s topology include:
- Non-resonant soft-switching which reduces electrical and thermal stresses on power switches (silicon IGBTs).
- High AC link frequency using small, compact inductor eliminates bulk capacitors and with precise intra-cycle current control eliminates most of the conventional filtering requirements.
- Bi-directional AC switches (shown in blue)
A PV inverter with IPC’s current-modulation topology is shown below.
View an animation of our power converter
Inverters Lighten Up by Bill Alexander, CEO, Ideal Power Converters
Energy Efficiency and Technology Magazine - December 1, 2011
