In addition to saving on controller and module costs, this reduces control complexity and costs associated with modules, cabling, hardware, and heat sinks. SCALE-iFlex LT targets multiple applications in renewable energy generation and storage, and is particularly applicable to offshore wind turbines in the 3 to 5 MW range.
Thorsten Schmidt, product marketing manager at Power Integrations, commented: “The distribution of dynamic and static current is critical for the robust operation of modules arranged in parallel. For the same power output, systems using SCALE-iFlex LT only require five modules in parallel, whereas competing approaches require six. This significant cost and complexity reduction is achieved by ensuring less than 20 ns of variation in on/off commands between modules and less than 20 A of variation between modules when driving the nominal 600 A.”.
Up to six EconoDUAL 3 power modules, or equivalents, can be connected in parallel from the same isolated master control unit (IMC), which has a more compact design than conventional products. The module-adapted gate controllers (MAGs), which fit the EconoDUAL module footprint, each incorporate two SCALE-2 ASICs—one per channel—to optimize symmetrical parallelism, efficiency, and protection.
The new SCALE-iFlex LT door drive modules reduce switching losses by three to five percent, thanks to the fast turn-on and turn-off of the SCALE-2 ASIC, which features an integrated boost stage. Power Integrations' Advanced Active Clamping (AAC) protection enables higher DC link voltages. A full suite of other protection features, including short-circuit protection, is also provided. The drivers feature reinforced insulation up to 1700 V and can be ordered bare or with a conformance coating.
In addition to renewable energy, other applications include power quality, commercial air conditioning units, and medium-voltage drives. The new SCALE-iFlex LT gate controllers are now available.
