Fraunhofer ISE sets a new world record
PV inverter efficiency exceeds 99 percent
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has set a new world record of 99.03 % for the efficiency of inverters used in photovoltaic systems. By using new components and improving the circuit technology, the researchers have thus reduced losses compared to their own previous top-level performance by a further third.
"We now use junction field-effect transistors (JFETs) made of silicon carbide (SiC) manufactured by Semisouth Laboratories Inc.. This is the main reason for the improvement", explained Prof. Bruno Burger, leader of the Power Electronics Group at Fraunhofer ISE. "In addition, we have optimised the gate units and many other details of the circuit."