Star Semiconductor's IGBTs: The Core Force Driving the Efficient Development of the Photovoltaic Industry

With the promotion of global energy transition and sustainable development strategy, photovoltaic power generation as an important part of clean energy, is ushering in a golden period of vigorous development. In this context, the importance of IGBT semiconductor as the core device of PV inverter is becoming more and more prominent. This article will take the IGBT products of Starpower Semiconductor in photovoltaic inverters as an entry point to discuss the prospects of the photovoltaic market and the significance of the development, and to further introduce the Starpower semiconductor in the field of power semiconductor layout and development.

Wide prospect of photovoltaic market

Photovoltaic industry is in a rapid growth stage, the market outlook is very broad. In recent years, the global installed capacity of photovoltaic continues to grow rapidly. According to the forecast of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), by 2030, the cumulative installed capacity of global photovoltaic will reach 3,000GW, an increase of nearly three times compared with 2020. The development of photovoltaic industry is of great significance for optimising energy structure, coping with climate change and promoting sustainable economic development. As a clean and renewable energy source, PV power generation can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ease environmental pressure.

Synergistic development of photovoltaic and energy storage

The combination of photovoltaic and energy storage technology is becoming a new trend in the industry. Photovoltaic storage systems can effectively solve the problem of intermittency and instability of photovoltaic power generation by combining photovoltaic power generation with energy storage equipment. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) predicts that by 2030, the global installed capacity of photovoltaic + storage system will reach 1,028 GW. This synergistic model not only improves the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation, but also provides a more stable supply of electricity for the grid, further promoting the large-scale application of new energy.

Starpower Semiconductor IGBT products in the application of photovoltaic inverters

In the photovoltaic power generation system, the inverter is the key equipment connecting the solar panels and the power grid, and IGBT as the core device of the inverter, in which plays a vital role. As a leading IGBT supplier in China, Starpower Semiconductor's products have been widely used in the field of PV inverters. Starpower Semiconductor has more than 600 types of IGBT modules, with voltage levels ranging from 100V to 3300V and current levels ranging from 10A to 3600A. Among them, the IGBT modules applied in PV inverters mainly have the following characteristics.

1. High efficiency: adopting advanced Trench Field Stop technology, with low conduction loss and low switching loss characteristics, which can significantly improve the conversion efficiency of the inverter. Trench Field Stop technology reduces the on-resistance by forming a trench structure on the chip surface, and introduces a field blocking layer on the back of the chip, which reduces the turn-off loss, thus realizing the high efficiency switching characteristics. Switching characteristics.

2.High reliability: The products have been subjected to strict quality control and reliability tests, and can work stably for a long time in harsh environments, meeting the high reliability requirements of photovoltaic power generation systems.

3.Wide range of application: IGBT modules with corresponding specifications can be selected for PV inverters of different power levels to achieve optimal matching.

4.Intelligent protection: Built-in over-current, over-temperature and other protection functions to improve the safety and reliability of the system.

Layout of Star Semiconductor in the field of power semiconductors

In addition to the dominant position in the field of IGBT, Starr Semi-Conductor also actively layout SiC and other new power semiconductor technology, in order to respond to future market demand.

1, IGBT technology continues to upgrade: the company continues to increase the chip R & D efforts, and continue to enrich the seventh generation of micro-channel Trench Field Stop technology based on the IGBT chip product series.

2. SiC MOSFET research and development: the company has increased investment in the development of SiC power chips, and has launched its own automotive-grade SiC chips to meet market demand.

3. High-voltage IGBT development: using the sixth-generation Fieldstop Trench chip platform, the company is developing 3300V-6500V high-voltage IGBT products used in rail transit and power transmission industries.

4. Capacity Expansion: Through the construction of fund-raising projects, the company is expected to form an annual output of 300,000 pieces of 6-inch high-voltage featured process power chips and 60,000 pieces of 6-inch SiC chip production capacity, and add an annual output of 4 million power semiconductor module production capacity.

Industry challenges and countermeasures

Although the PV industry has a bright future, it is also facing some challenges, such as fluctuations in raw material prices and policy changes. In response to these challenges, Starpower Semiconductor has taken the following countermeasures.

Strengthen supply chain management, establish long-term strategic cooperation with upstream suppliers to reduce the risk of fluctuations in raw material prices. 

Continuous technological innovation, improve product performance, reduce costs and enhance market competitiveness.

Pay close attention to policy changes, actively participate in the development of industry standards, and layout of emerging markets in advance.

Conclusion

With the booming development of the photovoltaic industry, the demand for high-performance IGBT and other power semiconductor devices will continue to grow. With the technical accumulation and market advantages in IGBT field, Starpower Semiconductor is actively laying out the whole industrial chain and continuously launching new products to meet the market demand. Looking ahead, the photovoltaic industry will develop in the direction of higher efficiency, more intelligent and more integrated. 

Power semiconductor technology will also evolve towards higher power density and lower loss. Starpower Semiconductor will continue to focus on technological innovation in the field of power semiconductors, increase investment in research and development of third-generation semiconductor materials, and strive to become the world's leading power semiconductor solutions provider in the next 5-10 years, to make greater contributions to the development of new energy industries such as photovoltaic.

UCC INDU GmbH, as an authorised distributor of STARPOWER Semiconductors, is committed to providing global customers with STARPOWER Semiconductors' high-quality power modules, and is dedicated to promoting the development of the photovoltaic industry. Welcome to contact us to learn more about Starpower Semiconductor products, we will provide you with the best service. You can also visit our website to learn more about our products.

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