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United News of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- United News of India
RIR Power Electronics expands SiC diode production
New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) In a significant step towards bolstering India's indigenous semiconductor capabilities, RIR Power Electronics Ltd. on Thursday announced the successful expansion of its 1200V Silicon Carbide (SiC) diode production through a strategic collaboration with Taiwan-based Pro Asia Semiconductor Corporation (PASC). The partnership is expected to fast-track RIR's go-to-market strategy by enabling the rollout of SiC devices in various voltage and current ratings, thereby de-risking operations and accelerating the ramp-up of high-efficiency power solutions from RIR's upcoming fabrication facility in Odisha. As part of the initiative, 1200V Schottky Barrier Diodes (SBDs) ranging from 2A to 60A—covering the most widely used configurations across multiple applications—have already been manufactured at PASC's state-of-the-art fab in Taiwan and shipped to India. The company has secured purchase orders from Richardson Electronics (USA) and Ankit Plastics (India), both major players in the commercial, industrial, and defence supply chains. "This milestone strengthens RIR's position as a serious player in the global power semiconductor space," said Dr. Harshad Mehta, Chairman and Director of RIR Power Electronics Ltd. "It also lays the foundation for full-fledged production from our planned Odisha SiC fab, which will serve high-growth markets such as automotive, renewable energy, industrial, and defence." The production expansion is backed by a comprehensive technology transfer agreement signed on October 17, 2024, with Sicamore Semi, USA. Under the agreement, RIR holds exclusive manufacturing and commercialisation rights for SiC diodes, MOSFETs, and IGBTs based on Sicamore's proven IP. The technology, originally developed for 4-inch wafers, has been successfully scaled up to 6-inch production with support from Vortex Semi (USA) and PASC. RIR's Odisha facility, with a proposed investment of Rs 618 crore, forms a crucial part of India's 'Make in India' semiconductor drive. It is expected to reduce the country's import dependency in strategic sectors, create employment, and position India as a competitive player in global advanced electronics manufacturing. UNI BDN RN
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
RIR Power Electronics expands SiC diode production in partnership with Taiwan's Pro Asia Semiconductor
RIR Power Electronics Limited has announced a significant manufacturing milestone with the expansion of its 1200V Silicon Carbide (SiC) diode production in collaboration with Pro Asia Semiconductor Corporation (PASC), Taiwan. This move supports RIR's aggressive go-to-market strategy for high-efficiency power solutions and aligns with India's 'Make in India' semiconductor ambitions. The new product line includes 1200V Schottky Barrier Diodes (SBDs) ranging from 2 amps to 60 amps. These diodes have been manufactured at PASC's facility and successfully shipped to India. RIR has already secured purchase orders from Richardson Electronics (USA) and Ankit Plastics (India), underlining global demand for SiC devices in commercial, industrial, and defence applications. This manufacturing initiative leverages the SiC technology acquired by RIR Power from Sicamore Semi (USA) in October 2024. Originally designed for 4-inch wafers, the technology has been scaled to 6-inch wafers with support from Vortex Semi (USA) and PASC, Taiwan. Dr. Harshad Mehta, Chairman & Director of RIR Power, said, 'This achievement strengthens RIR's capability to serve global high-growth sectors including automotive, industrial, renewable energy, and defence.' The company also plans to commence production from its upcoming ₹618 crore SiC semiconductor facility in Odisha. The strategic expansion is expected to generate employment and enhance India's self-reliance in critical electronics manufacturing.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Electric drive motors - From concept to series production
The electrification of passenger cars represents a diverse market segment spanning from compact city cars to high-performance luxury and sports vehicles. In addition to conventional performance features, the vehicle's electrical system voltage plays a crucial role, determined by requirements for charging times and system efficiency among others. In the automotive industry, two main voltage classes have been established: around 400 V in conjunction with Silicon Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (Si-IGBTs) and approximately 800 V in conjunction with Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors. In compact cars, mainly 400 V systems are utilized, while in higher vehicle classes, depending on market positioning, both technologies may be 1 depicts market data of systems for peak power in relation to torque. BorgWarner's Integrated Drive Modules (iDMs) are designed to be utilized in vehicles across various segments from A to D as well as in voltage classes of 400 and 800 V. The basic modular solutions are adjusted according to market requirements, such as when the customer requires more power or torque. To meet the requirements of each drive system, component platforms are defined for all core components of the drive modules, especially gearbox, electric motor, and inverter, and are implemented based on BorgWarner's internal development competencies. For instance, the inverters are based on patented power module technology called Viper. Mechanical components in focus: Structure and function of the drive system The mechanical configuration of the drives in current series productions of iDMs encompasses both drive architectures with parallel countershaft and coaxial gearboxes. In most cases, the arrangement with parallel countershaft is preferred due to cost advantages and efficiency. However, for limited installation spaces, a concentric countershaft or coaxial arrangement of the gearbox offers advantages. The range of drive modules extends from the iDM146, used in compact cars, to the iDM180 for the mid-range, up to the iDM220, covering systems from 170 to over 350 kW, thus encompassing a broad spectrum. All systems can be configured either as Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) or as Induction Motors (IM) with a unified stator. Additionally, an option with Externally Excited Synchronous Machine (EESM) is offered for the iDM220 module. Starting from iDM180, the stator and rotor of all systems are oil-cooled. A regulated oil cooling for stator and rotor through an electric oil pump meets the demand for higher continuous power. Figure 2 shows the iDM220 module and its components. The oil-cooled system features a heat exchanger and an electric oil pump, enabling on-demand cooling and lubrication, thus increasing efficiency. Furthermore, a variant with an integrated park lock is offered. The Viper power module technology with double-sided cooling enables high power density. Drive systems with EESM offer the possibility to control the excitation field and are therefore a good choice for secondary drives. However, the packaging challenges for secondary drives are higher. The best solution in terms of packaging is a coaxial arrangement. The requirements of such a system are met with brushless transformer technology. The brushless transformer solution for EESM consists of a single robust printed circuit board transformer with a highly efficient resonant inductive excitation system, thus enabling a compact design. This solution is suitable for all mechanical configurations, including a coaxial arrangement. Integrating this system into the oil-cooled motor area required a simple design of rotation transformer and rectifier. Figure 3 shows the concept of a brushless system designed for voltages of 800 V, requiring 15per cent less space compared to brush-bearing systems. Next-gen integrated drive module: Concept and development The next-generation drive module responds to market demands for ultra-compact systems aimed at reducing costs and offering higher efficiency than traditional systems [4], see Figure 4. The fully integrated high-speed drive module is equipped with a high-speed differential gearbox at the rotor shaft of the electric motor, as well as two gearboxes for low torques. By integrating a differential unit with lower torque capacity, the required space compared to similar concepts has been significantly reduced. Due to system requirements, the electric motor has been completely redesigned compared to currently produced motors. Taking these requirements into account, new rotor properties have been developed, allowing speeds of over 20,000 rpm. Despite further reduction in rotor losses, such a concept requires additional optimization of motor cooling. The solution involves complete immersion cooling of the stator winding heads in circulating oil flow. E-Motors: high-voltage hairpin technology Hairpin technology for electric motors has achieved a power density and maximum efficiency of over 97per cent with the latest Hairpin Stator Winding Technology (HVH) for the high-voltage range, see Figure 5. The motors in the HVH series are available in multiple versions with various configurations of different lengths, cooling methods, and winding options, either as a complete motor with housing or as a rotor-stator unit. The product portfolio starts with an outer diameter of 146 mm (HVH146) and a peak power of 90 kW. The medium-size and power range are covered by several variants of the HVH180 with peak powers up to 190 kW. For applications requiring higher power, BorgWarner offers several versions of the HVH220 with a peak power of 350 kW. At the top end of the product range for passenger car applications is the high-performance version with an outer diameter of 264 mm (HVH264) and a peak power of 450 kW. Especially in the high-power versions, regulated oil cooling is used for the rotor, where the cooling medium is brought close to the permanent magnets. This proximity to the magnets is crucial for continuous power and also allows the use of magnets with lower rare earth element requirements. The HVH320 is a novel development for applications requiring high torque at low speeds. This new HVH320 platform, launching in 2024, will be produced in three versions with maximum power/maximum torque of 1280 Nm/485 kW, 1500 Nm/525 kW, and 1650 Nm/575 kW. The motor features innovative wire insulation (single-layer polyetheretherketone) meeting the highest quality standards, as well as immersion cooling of the winding heads to deliver the highest possible continuous torque. Fully bonded laminated core packages in the stator and rotor ensure high efficiency. The end winding and stator are designed to provide sealing against a thermal protection cover that directs oil flow. In motors with interior permanent magnets (IPM), neodymium permanent magnets are used in the current large series with a low proportion of heavy rare earth elements dysprosium or terbium. The next development focuses on a concept that aims for sustainability without heavy rare earth elements. Since heavy rare earth elements protect against demagnetization under extreme operating conditions, new magnet techniques, further improvements in stator and rotor cooling, and optimization of motor control, which can limit the current peaks when switching to active short circuit (AKS), are combined in a holistic approach. S-winding technology The advancement of S-winding technology for use in electric motors is depicted in Figure 6. The second generation (S-Wind Gen2) is widely employed in P2 drive modules for hybrid vehicles in the EU and Chinese markets, with an outer diameter of 270 mm (SW270). The latest generation (S-Wind Gen3) is utilized in 48-V P3 modules with an outer diameter of 130 mm (SW130) for drive motors. Compared to hairpin technology, S-winding offers clear packaging advantages due to the length of the winding head, eliminating the need to weld individual pins. This is particularly crucial for P2 module applications. The S-winding technology is based on a stator geometry with open stator slots. A special winding process enables the extension of the formed continuous wire initially wound onto a mandrel into the stator. According to measurements conducted in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), the efficiencies of both concepts differ by 0.8per cent when using a comparable number of slots and conductors per slot. With the further development of S-winding technology, variants with a higher number of conductors per stator slot and a higher number of stator slots are being developed. This enables consistently high rotational speeds, and with an identical stator diameter, the same efficiency as hairpin technology is achieved according to WLTP. This approach allows for better efficiency than hairpin technology at high torque and high rotational speeds (typical during highway driving) due to significantly lower alternating current copper losses with slightly higher direct current copper losses due to the smaller wire cross-section in conjunction with the large number of wires per slot. The market demand for various concepts is currently highly heterogeneous and is expected to continue in this diversity over the coming decade. Hairpin technology is projected to continue dominating as it offers the highest efficiency according to WLTP. S-winding technology, with a high number of slots and conductors per slot, ensures excellent performance and efficiency at high speeds, leading to its establishment in the market. Advancements in the sustainability of IPM technology will be a central focus of development in the coming years.
Associated Press
21-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Sungrow Outlines 10 Must-Know Technological Trends Driving Solar and Storage Development
MUNICH, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Dr. David Zhao, Senior Vice President of Sungrow, presented in his latest speech the 10 major technological trends in the solar and storage industry, which will drive the energy transition and ensure sustainable economic development. Dr. Zhao noted that despite the rapid expansion of PV installations worldwide, the evolving power infrastructure faces five challenges: supply chain security, clean energy consumption, power system stability, resilience to load variability, and cost management. As a vital part of power decarbonization, the energy storage sector is going through a period of intense accelerated growth. Drawing on his deep understanding of the industry, Dr. Zhao identified ten crucial technological trends essential for advancing solar and storage development. 1. High Density and High Efficiency With the declining costs and increased localization of third-generation wide-bandgap semiconductors, inverters are progressively incorporating Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices. Enhanced by advanced control algorithms, increased computing power, and novel thermal packaging technologies, these changes will significantly boost the power density and efficiency of equipment. Sungrow was at the forefront of commercializing SiC devices in PV inverters. In 2021, the company introduced the 1500V string inverter SG350HX, marking a pioneering move with the adoption of 2000V SiC devices. 2. Development of High-Voltage and High-Power Systems Over the past decade, inverter single-unit power has undergone a major improvement cycle every 2-3 years, with DC voltage moving toward 2000V. Sungrow deployed the world's first 2000V DC PV system in China's Shaanxi province, reducing Balance of System (BOS) costs by over 0.04 yuan (USD cent 0.55) per watt compared to 1500V systems, setting a new industry benchmark for cost reduction and efficiency improvement. 3. Grid Forming As renewable energy penetration increases, grid-forming technologies are becoming essential to ensure a flexible, reliable, and resilient power system. Since 2006, Sungrow has been at the forefront of grid-forming technology research, honing core capabilities such as flexible inertia support, wide-frequency oscillation suppression, enhanced continuous high/low voltage ride-through, microsecond-level voltage construction, adaptive harmonic management, rapid off-grid debugging, seamless switch between on-grid and off-grid modes, and gigawatt-scale project black-start technology. Sungrow has abundant global grid-forming practices, providing customized solutions tailored to diverse grid conditions, ensuring grid safety and stability worldwide. 4. Digitalization and AI Empowerment Digitalization and AI are revolutionizing the entire lifecycle of PV plants, boosting both reliability and operational efficiency. Sungrow has utilized advanced AI training techniques for inverters to create a sophisticated AI-driven battery management system. This system constantly tracks and analyzes multiple parameters of battery cell states, such as temperature, current, voltage, and pressure. By doing so, it enables real-time health assessments, offers early alerts for cells showing signs of potential issues, and prevents the onset of thermal runaway, significantly improving the safety and performance of PV installations. 5. Secure and Reliable Systems Dr. Zhao noted that a 30-year system design lifespan is set to become a new trend and standard for future inverters. He outlined more than a dozen advanced designs and technologies integral to system security and reliability, including modular design, multi-tier active fault alarms, arc detection, and shutdown mechanisms. In addition, Sungrow invested in two large-scale, real-world energy storage system burn tests, each costing over 10 million yuan (approx. USD 1.4 million), to affirm the safety of its liquid-cooled energy storage system PowerTitan series. These tests safeguard personnel, assets, and operational safety, setting a new safety benchmark for the energy storage industry. 6. Topology Innovation Topology innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing power conversion efficiency. In 2018, Sungrow spearheaded a major R&D project and developed the world's first 6MW 35kV Solid State Transformer based (SST-based) PV inverter. This inverter replaced traditional low-frequency transformer with a high-frequency one, achieving an overall maximum efficiency of 98.5%. This is just one instance of how innovative topologies are continually evolving and being applied across various solar and storage applications. 7. High-Precision Simulation For different global scenarios and grid conditions, system-level modeling and simulation capabilities are needed to mimic the performance of solar, wind, and storage systems in on-grid/off-grid and steady-state/transient processes. As simulation systems evolve, they will increasingly approximate real-world conditions, significantly shortening inverter and power system development cycles while reducing costs. 8. Virtual Power Plants Virtual power plants (VPPs) leverage internet technologies to aggregate distributed PV, energy storage, and loads into a unified entity for grid dispatch. VPPs optimize energy utilization, promote clean energy consumption, reduce grid congestion and negative pricing, and enable control in patches for grid ancillary services, ensuring rapid response and grid stability. This significantly reduces grid construction and operational costs. By leveraging real-time monitoring and demand forecasting, VPPs can guide users to optimize their electricity consumption, and, by doing so, enhance supply reliability. 9. Source-Grid-Load-Storage-Carbon Integration Dr. Zhao proposed, for the first time in the industry, that integrated management of source-grid-load-storage-carbon systems can promote large-scale clean energy integration, reduce curtailment, and achieve clear carbon reduction goals. He cited as an illustration how Sungrow is providing integrated solutions for the world's largest 2.2GW wind-PV-storage-hydrogen multi-energy complementary microgrid project in Saudi Arabia. He further commented that 2025 will mark the beginning of zero-carbon parks, with source-grid-load-storage-carbon integration becoming the preferred solution. 10. Green Hydrogen, Ammonia, and Methanol The global demand for green hydrogen is soaring, and renewable energy-based electrolysis represents a critical future pathway. Moreover, ammonia and methanol are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of storage and transport. Decoupling power generation from hydrogen production systems allows for the remote production of hydrogen through power transmission. Hydrogen production rectifiers, designed with fast dynamic response capabilities, are adept at managing the power fluctuations inherent in renewable energy sources. These features make them well-suited for use in large-scale renewable hydrogen production facilities and central hydrogen production stations. 'Sungrow embeds technological innovation in our DNA. We commit to tackle the difficulties and pursue a long-term sustainable future with industry partners and peers,' concluded Dr. Zhao. About Sungrow Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of December 2024, Sungrow has installed 740 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's No. 1 on PV inverter shipments (S&P Global Commodity Insights) and the world's most bankable energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects in over 180 countries, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit:
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cambridge GaN Devices Secures $32M to Drive Global Growth in Power Semiconductor Industry
Cambridge University spinout secures Series C funding to expand its operations in Cambridge, North America, Taiwan and Europe Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD) develops energy-efficient semiconductors using gallium nitride (GaN), reshaping the future of power electronics CGD's technology will help electric vehicles and data centres be more energy efficient, presenting major opportunities in the global power semiconductor industry CAMBRIDGE, England, February 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD), a leading innovator in gallium nitride (GaN) power devices, has successfully closed a $32 million Series C funding round. The investment was led by a strategic investor with participation from British Patient Capital and supported by existing investors Parkwalk, BGF, Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC), Foresight Group, and IQ Capital. Transforming Power Electronics with GaN Gallium nitride-based devices represent a breakthrough in power electronics, offering faster switching speeds, lower energy consumption, and more compact designs than traditional silicon-based solutions. CGD's proprietary monolithic ICeGaN® technology, which simplifies the implementation of GaN into existing and progressive designs, delivers efficiency levels exceeding 99%, enabling energy savings of up to 50% in a wide range of high-power applications including electric vehicles and data centre power supplies. These innovations have the potential to save millions of tons of CO2 emissions annually, accelerating the global transition to more sustainable energy systems due to the inherent ease-of-use that ICeGaN® technology provides to its customers. DR. GIORGIA LONGOBARDI | CEO AND FOUNDER OF CGD "This funding round marks a pivotal moment for CGD. It validates our technology and vision to revolutionize the power electronics industry with our efficient GaN solutions and make sustainable power electronics possible. We're now poised to accelerate our growth and make a significant impact in reducing energy consumption across multiple sectors. We look forward to collaborating with our strategic investor to penetrate the automotive market." Market Opportunity and Proven Success The global GaN power device market is projected to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 41%, reaching $2 billion by 20291. At the same time, ICeGaN® is being seen as a viable alternative to existing solutions using Silicon Carbide (SiC), combining high energy-efficiency, miniaturization, and monolithically integrated smart functionalities. This will enable Cambridge GaN Devices to have access to a high power market estimated to be in excess of $10 billion by 20291. With its cutting-edge technology and market leadership position, CGD is well positioned to capitalize on this rapid market expansion. Having successfully secured industry-leading customers in their pipeline, CGD has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver reliable and impactful solutions, enabling innovation in the sector. HENRYK DABROWSKI | SVP OF SALES AT CGD "I'm thrilled to see this funding helping to deliver on customer deals we've already closed for CGD's latest-generation P2 products. This investment will significantly boost our ability to meet the growing demand for our reliable and easy-to-use GaN solutions." Global Expansion and Vision for the Future With a global team of experts, decades of research, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of GaN technology, CGD continues to deliver solutions that enhance everyday electronics. As the world advances toward electrification and sustainability, CGD's leadership in GaN technology offers a pathway to reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and mitigate environmental impact. By enabling efficient, compact, and high-performance power devices, CGD is setting a new standard for sustainable power electronics. The funding will enable the company to expand its operations in Cambridge, North America, Taiwan and Europe, and deliver CGD's unique value proposition to its growing customer base. This significant investment will fuel CGD's growth strategy, focusing on the continued delivery of highly efficient GaN products to high-power industrial, data centre, and automotive markets. JOHN PEARSON | CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER AT PARKWALK ADVISORS "CGD is at the forefront of technology that can reduce the energy demands of booming industries, like Artificial Intelligence and Electric Mobility. It has enormous global potential and widespread applications which will see CGD continue to innovate and grow. We are proud to have backed CGD since 2019 and are excited to be working with an exceptional team and cohort of other investors to accelerate its global expansion." GEORGE MILLS | DIRECTOR – DEEPTECH, DIRECT & CO-INVESTMENTS, BRITISH PATIENT CAPITAL "Following years of research, Cambridge GaN Devices have proven the impact of their semiconductor technology. Their GaN devices consume less energy than their silicon-based counterparts, which both reduces costs and has a positive environmental impact. It's valuable technology that now needs long-term capital to scale." Notes to editors About Cambridge GaN Devices Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD) is a fabless semiconductor company spun-out by Prof. Florin Udrea and Dr. Giorgia Longobardi from Cambridge University in 2016 to exploit a revolutionary technology in power devices. Our mission is to shape the future of power electronics by delivering the most efficient and reliable transistor. CGD designs, develops and commercialises GaN transistors and ICs enabling a radical step change in energy efficiency and compactness and is suitable for high-volume production. CGD technology is protected by a strong IP portfolio which constantly grows based on the company's leading innovation skills and ambitions. About Parkwalk Parkwalk is the largest growth EIS fund manager, backing world-changing technologies emerging from the UK's leading universities and research institutions. With £500 million of assets under management, it has invested in over 180 companies across its award-winning Parkwalk Opportunities and Knowledge Intensive EIS Funds, as well as the enterprise and innovation funds Parkwalk manages for the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol and Imperial College. Parkwalk invests in businesses creating solutions to real-world challenges, with IP-protected innovations, across a range of sectors including life sciences, AI, quantum computing, advanced materials, genomics, cleantech, future of mobility, medtech and big data. For more information please go to: About British Patient Capital British Patient Capital Limited is a wholly owned commercial subsidiary of British Business Bank plc, the UK government's economic development bank. Its mission is to enable long-term investment in innovative firms led by ambitious entrepreneurs who want to build large-scale businesses. Launched in June 2018, British Patient Capital has more than £3bn of assets under management, investing in venture and venture growth capital to support high growth potential innovative UK businesses in accessing the long-term financing they require to scale up. Find out more here. British Business Bank plc and its subsidiary entities are not banking institutions and do not operate as such. They are not authorised or regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). A complete legal structure chart for British Business Bank plc and its subsidiaries can be found on the British Business Bank plc website. British Patient Capital makes commitments and invests on its own behalf and on behalf of third-party investors whose investments British Patient Capital manages. The transaction described above does not constitute or imply any endorsement, warranty or recommendation by the UK government, the British Business Bank plc, its subsidiaries or any other party in respect of Cambridge GaN Devices. 1 2024 Power SiC and GaN Compound Semiconductor Market Monitor – Yole Intelligence View source version on Contacts Weiyi Pan, Digital Marketing Manager, CGD | +44 7410 506783 Jeffreys Building, Suite 8, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0DS Worldwide Agency: Nick Foot, BWW Communications | +44-7808-362251 | Sign in to access your portfolio
