PrimePACK(TM) with 2300 V and 1200 V TRENCHSTOP(TM) IGBT7 enabling 1500 V-DC NPC2 in MW solar central inverter

Abstract:
Solar power plants with central inverters are essential power sources for the worldwide energy supply of the future. Based on the continuous power increase of these solar plants, the elevated operation voltage of 1500 V has become the new standard. This paper introduces a new power semiconductor solution allowing NPC2 designs in megawatt solar central inverters using 1500 V DC operation voltage. The NPC2 solution is based on a PrimePACK(TM) 3+ IGBT power module rated at 2300 V combined with a PrimePACK(TM) 3+ 1200 V module in common collector configuration with the latest TRENCHSTOP(TM) IGBT7 technology from Infineon. The paper also demonstrates how the new NPC2 solution can be arranged to minimize the commutation loop inductance and show switching characteristics in conjunction with both voltage classes. In addition, the output power of the NPC2 solution is compared to an earlier evaluated NPC1 solution.