Wolfspeed, Inc., a leading global supplier of silicon carbide (SiC) technology, today announced an innovative 2300V SiC power module designed to revolutionize renewable energy, energy storage, and high-capacity fast charging by improving efficiency, durability, reliability, and scalability. This new module leverages Wolfspeed's advanced 200mm SiC wafer technology developed for 1500V DC bus applications and marks the company's latest advancement in SiC technology.
Wolfspeed also announced a partnership with EPC Power, a leading utility-scale inverter manufacturer in North America. EPC Power will adopt Wolfspeed modules in its utility-scale solar and energy storage systems that provide scalable, high-power conversion systems and high-performance control and system redundancy.
Jay Cameron, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Power Division, Wolfspeed, said: "The solar and storage market continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the renewable energy industry. As a pioneer in SiC, we are committed to creating solutions that will usher in a new era of modern energy. Energy efficiency, reliability, and scalability are top concerns for our customers, such as EPC Power, who recognize the significant benefits that Wolfspeed's SiC brings.”
Devin Dilley, President and Chief Product Officer of EPC Power, said: "SiC devices have brought leaps and bounds in the performance and reliability of inverters. "Wolfspeed was the clear choice as we were committed to achieving the ultimate in reliability, performance and safety in our new 'M' inverters, while also building deep commercial relationships with key suppliers."
Figure: Wolfspeed unveils new SiC power modules (Source: Wolfspeed)
With increasing global investment in renewable energy, the solar market is expected to reach a market capitalization of $300 billion by 2032. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 2024-25 will see the highest growth rate in energy demand since 2007, further emphasizing the need for efficient, reliable and clean energy. Wolfspeed's SiC solutions help bridge this critical gap and support the next era of modern energy technology while strengthening United States' leadership in clean energy manufacturing.
Wolfspeed's 2300V modules will increase system efficiency and reduce the number of passive components by optimizing the use of passive components. Compared to similar SiC modules, the module offers 15% higher voltage headroom, improved dynamic performance, consistent temperature stability, and significantly reduces the size of the EMI filter. Wolfspeed's technology achieves a 77% reduction in switching losses compared to IGBTs and a 2-3x reduction in switching losses for SiC devices for 1500V applications.
In addition, the 2300V SiC module will allow system designers to take advantage of lower-cost printed circuit boards to reduce manufacturing costs and significantly reduce development time compared to traditional busbar solutions. Wolfspeed's 2300V modules will also enable the industry to adopt two-level topologies, simplifying system design and reducing the number of drivers compared to IGBT-based three-stage configurations. The advantages of the 2300V module support a modular approach that allows power to be easily scaled from kilowatts to megawatts.
Wolfspeed's 2300V SiC modules will help customers further enhance the longevity and durability of their systems. This is achieved by optimizing the failure rate (FIT rate) of continuous 1500V DC operation and improved cosmic ray sensitivity compared to 2000V designs. In a two-level implementation, the 2300V module reduces the number of potential single points of failure for the entire system.
Wolfspeed serves the global market through its innovations in SiC materials, power modules, discrete power devices, and power IC products that drive solutions for more efficient energy consumption and a sustainable future. As SiC technology continues to advance and market demand grows, Wolfspeed is leading the shift to more efficient and reliable energy solutions.
