The replacement of combustion engines with electric equipment represents a great opportunity for power electronics, but also a challenge. The greatest of these is probably the demand for greater efficiency, driven by both economic and environmental reasons. From the perspective of the technology implemented in power electronic devices, materials capable of providing this increased efficiency, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), are playing an increasingly important role, ideal for fast, low-power switching. Solar inverters, such as those incorporating SiC components, and battery chargers based on GaN circuits are two examples.

High power per cubic centimeter

Another key factor for electrification is power density, as available space is limited in many applications. Consider, for example, the countless portable devices powered by small batteries or electric vehicles, which dedicate most of their space to the passenger compartment and whose batteries cannot be too large or too heavy. It has been shown that a higher switching frequency in electrical energy conversion (whether DC/AC, DC/DC, AC/DC, or AC/AC) allows for smaller power systems, but this carries the risk of generating significant losses, and therefore heat. 

This brings us back to efficiency, as well as the adoption of innovative solutions related to circuit topologies and packaging capable of supplying the necessary power reliably, safely, and for the longest possible time. Furthermore, these solutions must not generate noise or electromagnetic interference that could affect other nearby devices, for which they must comply with strict regulations requiring the installation of EMI/RFI filters if necessary.

A well-known topology for reducing switching losses and distortion is pulse-width modulation (PWM), and specifically an advanced version called space vector PWM (SVPWM), which contributes to increased efficiency and improved waveform quality. This topology is used by Salicru in its EQUINOX solar inverters. The aforementioned SiC components are also used in Salicru inverters.

One final noteworthy aspect in this overview of power electronics trends is their increasing integration with the digital environment, specifically with the Internet of Things (IoT). The rapid growth in the number of IoT-connected devices has reached the power electronics sector through cloud-based equipment communication, facilitating and improving monitoring. This factor, particularly relevant from a safety perspective when handling high voltages, currents, and power levels, is exemplified by Salicru's Nimbus solutions, used, for instance, in UPS (uninterruptible power supply) systems for remote management, fault alerts, equipment health monitoring, and preventive maintenance. Power electronics plays a role that extends far beyond simply supplying DC or AC power: this supply must be reliable, efficient, cost-effective, and safe. All of this requires companies in the sector to implement the most advanced technologies to protect and enhance their competitiveness.

Article provided by SALICRU